1996 Hanzell Chardonnay, Sonoma County

[wondersofwine]

14.4 % alcohol
I'm not sure when I acquired this but feared it would be over-the-hill ten years after the vintage. Fortunately, Hanzell chards have a reputation for longevity along with Stony Hill, Swan and a few others. The vines were planted as much as 50 years ago on high slopes overlooking the city of Sonoma. Grapes are influenced by cool air of the Petaluma Gap.
The wine was a medium gold color--not too dark. Nose of apples and pear in a mature bouquet. Still pleasant on the palate.
Pretty good match to fresh tilapia baked with an herb garlic coating.

[winoweenie]

WOW before I closwed out me SW phase the 23 wines you mentioned took up loads of space in my cellar. Just this week I discovered a a Magnum of 1989 Stoney Hill that got butioed in the back of the cellar. Will crack the cork on this sucker at my usual Thursday prayer meeting with BRW and probably CorkDork. Only the Shadow Knows. WW