Another Cal Chard that can age very well is Chalone. Two years ago I
had the 1980, and it was gorgeous, having evolved a honeyed richness
that was quite delicious. Last week, had the 1996. Still very
lively and youthful.

Cheers,
Marc




"Tom S" > wrote in message .com>...
> "Cwdjrx _" > wrote in message
> ...
>
> > Mount Eden and Au Bon Climat are among the very few California firms
> > that can produce a Chardonnay that can improve for over 10 years.
>
> 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.
>
> Tom S