1994 Talley Chardonnnay

[redsauced]

Went to an amazing older vintage wine sale yesterday, and besides scoring all my favorite
classic cabs. I picked up this 1994 Talley Chardonnay. They have more, but I'm wondering how long it might be good for? I know I could just drink this now and find out, but I'd rather save it, if there is still something to save.

[dananne]

I really like Talley Pinot Noir, and they do a nice job with cool-climate Chard, but (and others may strongly disagree with this) I'm personally not a big fan of aging a domestic Chard like this one for that long. Many of the qualities that would have made it a wonderful drink back in, say, 1997, have fallen away, particularly the fruit. My vote would be to pop it, see if it's held up, and go buy more if you like it. Most vintage charts would likely say it's in decline and possibly undrinkable, but there's only one way to find out! Good luck!

[winoweenie]

Red there's not a fist-full of Calif Chards from 94 that stand a Snowballs here in the valley of still being alive. Stony Hill is the only Calif chard I've had over 10 years of age that wasn't ready for the ole Vinegar barrel. Good luck. WW

[redsauced]

Well, believe it or not this one's got a lot of life left. Rich golden in color, darker than the 2001's. Definite floral notes, and a nice surprize of white peach. Toasted vanilla (of course). Only drawback for some would be the mega-butter/oak bomb finish. Makes me want to rent a movie. All in all, pretty tasty, but out of whack in a way that's hard for me to explain. I thought the elements of this one would have faded, but they seem to have gone the other direction to an interesting maturity level. (again hard to explain)

RS