Edna Valley MacGregor Vineyard, Chardonnay 1998

Tasting Notes

Release Date: Fall 1999

The cool maritime Edna Valley once again challenged our grower Andy Mac Gregor in 1998. The weather reduced his crop to a twenty-five year low with berries the size of capers and clusters so small that four of them could fit in the palm of your hand.

Yet our loss is your gain, with an intensity and fullness never before seen at this stage. Typically our Mac Gregor wine takes six months after bottling to be in its prime. This vintage, however, is drinking beautifully right now. Telltale flavors of grapefruit and guava, along with notes of cream and mint, give range and dimension. Balanced with a thick texture and great follow through, the concentration is like two bottles in one.

Production

3,864

Tech Notes

Sorry, technical notes are not available for this vintage.

Reviews

88 points Stephan Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - May/June 2000

Restrained aromas of orange peel, creamed corn, mustard seed and spicy, charred oak. Fruity and harmonious in the mouth, with apricot and peach flavors nicely framed by fresh acidity. Ripe, juicy and solidly built. The fruit carries through nicely on the lingering finish.

87 points Wine Enthusiast Magazine - June 2000

Shows plenty of oak influence on the nose, with toast, coffee and crème brûlée notes. Mixes in a nice dose of apple and lemon in the mouth, where it’s lush and mouth-coating. Finishes with juicy acids that keep it from being overdone.