Tom S wrote:

> A few years ago I tasted a Raymond Chardonnay that had to be a decade older
> than the two Mount Eden wines you mentioned. It was still solidly at
> plateau, and gave no hint that it was well over 20 years old. Obviously it
> had been well cellared, but even so it was pretty old for a dry white wine.
>
> I'm sorry I don't remember the exact vintage, but that wine showed me that
> at least _some_ California whites are capable of extended aging.

Raymond California Chardonnay in the late 70s and early 80s was very
popular. It was a California blend and they must have gotten it right,
sorta like Kendall Jackson did a few years later. I see no reason in
the world why it would age well since it was never meant to be much
right from the start.