For years, Kalin Cellars was an insider secret - one of California’s most eccentric wineries, appreciated by knowledgeable winos looking for beautifully mature, Old World-inspired wines. Terry Leighton, the visionary behind Kalin, died in 2023; but thanks to his policy of releasing wines only when ready, long-aged vintages are still emerging from the cellars.
Although they owned no vines themselves, Terry and his wife Frances, both microbiologists, sourced fruit from distinguished vineyards in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Livermore Valleys. When they founded Kalin Cellars in 1977, they took a decidedly traditional approach, with reds vinified in open-top vats and whites fermented in barrel. The wines were intentionally crafted for long cellaring. Over the years, more and more stock was held back for later release. Eventually, Kalin were offering Chardonnay cuvées with more than two decades of bottle age.
The wines still being released represent a unique approach to Californian wine which may never be repeated. For the complexity and individuality on offer, they represent extraordinary value for money.
