We've had quite the run with Calera over the past few years. The monumental acquisition of their library with wines dating back to 1978 is likely to be one of the most memorable buys of my career. Whilst not quite on the same scale of that historic purchase...this wine represents a pretty cool opportunity to get your hands on a wine that simply doesn't exist anymore. Largely known for their estate wines from Mt. Harlan, Calera has also long purchased fruit from some of the very best vineyards across California. Much of that contracted fruit goes into their delicious and over-performing Central Coast cuvees that are some of the very best values on the market and perennial best sellers here at K&L. However, occasionally, when a parcel of fruit is just too special to blend away, Calera will bottle a rare non-estate single vineyard wine for their mailing list and tasting room customers. This is one such bottling. To make it even more special, the single block of old vines (planted 1973) that this bottling is made from has since been ripped out and replanted, after which Calera stopped making a single vineyard designate Bien Nacido Chardonnay. Winemaker Mike Waller said that this old block of Chardonnay produced such special fruit, it deserved it's own specific bottling. The 45-year old roots of the vines delved deep into the region's calcareous shale soils. The ultra cool climate of Santa Maria Valley meant that this fruit was picked in later October. That super extended hangtime allows for complex flavors to develop whilst the brisk winds from the Pacific mean that the grapes retain fresh, bright acidity. Yellow floral notes, Gravenstein apple, golden quince, pastry crust, stony saline minerality. The oak is subtle but adds yet another layer of spice and depth. More crushed rock on the finish. Textural and nicely ripe but with tons of energy and vibrancy. We took all remaining cases of this soon to be gone for good wine and even managed to secure a nice price to pass on to Insiders Advantage customers. Old Vine Bien Nacido Chardonnay from the legendary team at Calera, for this price!? What are you waiting for!?