Round Hill Vineyards – Chardonnay 1978

Tasted as part of a 45th birthday celebration featuring wines from the 1978 vintage, the Round Hill Vineyards Chardonnay 1978 from Northern California was one of two Californian whites opened that evening alongside the Stone Creek Vineyards Chenin Blanc 1978. Where the Chenin Blanc was delicate with a beautiful nose and only 10.5% alcohol, the Round Hill Chardonnay impressed with its structure, thanks to the oak and its higher alcohol content of 13.9%. At 45 years of age, it held up remarkably well and earned a very good 87 points. The same evening also included Château Mouton Rothschild 1978, Château Margaux 1978, a Nemea 1978 from Cavino Winery, and a Flagman Vintage Port 1978 – a fascinating cross-section of how different wines and regions age over nearly half a century.