Calla Lees Chardonnay 1989

[Anon6864311]

I am definitely a novice, but I have been saving a bottle of Callaway Calla-Lees Chardonnay since 1989, my daughter is getting married in a couple of weeks, and I was planning to un-cork it for the reception, but it occurred to me that it might have a slight value, can anyone tell me a value on a bottle from 1989, or if no value, do you think the wine is still good?
Thanks for any help with this.

[team]

Hi Anon, Innkeeper here. Welcome to the Wine Board. Hate to be the one to tell you, but no value, no good. Other than the most expensive White Burgundies, most Chardonnay has at best a ten year shelf life.

[Anon6864311]

Seriously? What a shame, we have moved this bottle with us cross country and kept it cool and turned it and saved it for her wedding, but if it is most likely vinegar, I would hate to un-cork it to find that out.
Thanks for your help. I have another bottle of Moscato Asti, which should be ok for toasting the couple, don't you think?

[Kcwhippet]

That depends on how old the Moscato d'Asti is. They are at their best within about 2 to 3 years from the vintage date. Those are a favorite of ours for sipping on the deck on a hot summer evening.

The Calla-Lees was also one of our favorites. It was a bright fresh Chard aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks, and saw no oak. They were delicious wines, but Callaway stopped making them many years ago. They were really not made to be aged more than 4 to 5 years, so not only is your bottle not worth anything, it's also not going to taste at all that good, as IK says.

[Anon6864311]

IK/KC
Thanks very much for your insightful explanations.

What are your suggestions for the bottle of Chardonnay?

The bottle of Moscato Asti was a gift from my other daughter this year, which she purchased recently.

I agree, the Moscato Asti is divine, I also like the Piesporters and the Rieslings.

Thanks again for your information.

[team]

IK here again. Try Toad Hollow, Francine's Selection, Mendocino County, Chardonnay. It is very similiar to your Callaway. Runs around $12. If you are a Robin Williams fan, Toad Hollow is run by his brother.