When the four of us sat around the tasting table last week, there was some skepticism before tasting this. Most ten-year-old Chardonnay falls apart quicker than my four-year-old’s emotional capacity at bedtime.

But this stuff? WOW.

All skepticism went out the window after the first sip. This one’s going to Harvard, pulling an MBA, and becoming boss before adolescence. Plus, a second to confirm, a third to enjoy…and then finishing the bottle over the course of the afternoon just to follow up and see how it evolved with some air.

Spectacular. Exceptional. Trust your Agents of Wine - this is a stunner that’s aging on a Jennifer Lopez level. A fully matured example that the likes of which few producers can make. Of course, a great Burgundy can hit the ten year mark in stride, but only a few California Chards can mature like this - Hanzell, Ridge, Kistler, Kongsgaard, Hudson come to mind.

In the glass it glows a youthful medium gold, showing very little oxidation. It still retains a strong core of fruit, like a mashup of lightly roasted pineapple, lemon pudding, and orange marmalade. The fruit seamlessly bridges into a flurry of secondary notes - toasted hazelnuts and brioche, nutmeg, lanolin, and honey all share the spotlight. And a beautiful line of acidity plays a huge part in keeping this storyline from falling apart. An ageless wonder, and a rare treat that must be tasted.

Of course, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised. Kimberly Hatcher has been crushing it for years. A graduate of the Russel Bevan school of 100-point winemaking, Morgado Cellars is known for its “pleasure bent” style. Her wines routinely get 95+ scores from the critics, and are highly sought after now that word has spread.

So, getting this offering for $26 seems like a no-brainer, amirite??