1999 Sanford Chardonnay (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County)

An absolute gem found deep in the cellar many years ago, and it hasn't gotten a chance to be opened until tonight at Dee's annual holiday tasting.  Popped and poured at fridge temperature, showing a dark yellow color of a well aged chardonnay.

A nice tropical nose, some citrus, honey, pineapple, and buttery caramel.  On the palate, this could have passed for white Burgundy.  What?  Seriously?  Yes!  Could have also passed for an Aubert chardonnay from '05-'07.

Plenty of nice acidity and minerality on the palate still, with some nice apricot, pineapple, and orange peel.  Soft supple finish showed a classy wine, nicely aged, and drinking beautifully.  Definitely on the downslope, but surprised this has help up as long as it has.  Good provenance is a beautil thing!  90 points!  Cheers!