Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate
Issue #166
…comes across as rich, intense and attractive, but is (currently) restrained, tightly nit and almost monolithic. Anticipated maturity:2007-2015
YEAR: 2003
PRODUCTION: 1,988
REVIEWS:
This mountain vineyard somehow manages not only to beautifully ripen the grapes to a great expression of fruit, but also preserves vital acidity and lends a firm layer of minerality. The Result is a big, powerful wine that easily absorbs its lavish coat of new oak. The flavors are of candied pineapple tart, Meyer lemon mousse and vanilla custard, with a finish of sweet, crushed Asian spices. Perfect now, and just beginning to gather momentum. Drink through 2011. Editors Choice Wine Enthusiast Magazine
TASTING NOTES:
Release Date: Spring 2007
2003 is yet another great vintage in an incredible lineage of Chardonnay from this historic estate. Like a good Burgundy, Mount Eden’s Estate Chardonnay is always backward in its youth. Because of this we release late to allow the acidity to tame and the flavors to evolve. After two and a half years in the bottle this 2003 is ready to be presented to you.
Classic hazelnut, citrus and toast confront the nose. Vibrant full throttle flavors of quince, lemon, mint and palate-coating minerality which build slowly as the wine is aerated. Drinkable now, this wine will be a pleasure to drink for the next ten years, possibly longer.
TECH NOTES:
- Yield: 2.1 Tons/acre
- Harvest: September 11th-19th
- Numbers @ Harvest: 24.4 Brix, 3.55 pH, 5.9 grams acidity
- Barrel Regimen: 50% new; 50% 1-year French Burgundy; 100% barrel fermented with full malolactic; Sur lie aging
- Bottling: July 2004
