14.4 % alcohol
I'm not sure when I acquired this but feared it would be over-the-hill ten years after the vintage. Fortunately, Hanzell chards have a reputation for longevity along with Stony Hill, Swan and a few others. The vines were planted as much as 50 years ago on high slopes overlooking the city of Sonoma. Grapes are influenced by cool air of the Petaluma Gap.
The wine was a medium gold color--not too dark. Nose of apples and pear in a mature bouquet. Still pleasant on the palate.
Pretty good match to fresh tilapia baked with an herb garlic coating.
Hoke, maybe you can add some information about Hanzell chards. Also, was 1996 considered a good vintage for Chardonnay in Sonoma County?