REVIEWS:
TASTING NOTES:
Release Date: Fall 2024
The 2021 growing season here at Mount Eden was a nail-biter. A meager 12 inches of rain fell, the lowest recorded at this site since at least 1943, when our founder, Martin Ray, first came to this mountaintop.
Every wine region has something weather-related to worry about: summer rain/ hail in France, winter kill in Washington State, or the specter of drought in California. Everyone who makes wine thinks about the weather and how it will affect the grapes, for good or bad. Given the drought, harvest was early, late August into September, and overall, it was a success.
Our signature style is directed by what happens in the vineyard, with minimal intervention once the wine is in the barrel; this gives our Estate Chardonnay a classic restraint and longevity.
The nose is complex, with lemon, savory herbs, and a slight touch of yeast. The palate has great acidity, with abundant stone fruit flavors and a lingering finish.
Anticipate a delightful evolution over the next 15 years.
TECH NOTES:
- Rain Total in 2021: 12.7 inches
- Yield: 2.5 tons per acre
- Harvest Dates: August 23rd-September 1st, hand-harvested
- Numbers @ Harvest: 23.5° Brix, 3.33 pH, 7.5 grams acidity
- Fermentation: 100% natural primary and secondary (malolactic) barrel fermentation
- Barrel: 100% barrel aged in new and one-year-old French Oak
- Aging: 10 months in barrel, sur-lie;
- Bottling: July 2022
- Alcohol: 14%
- Cases Produced: 1,423 cases- 750ml, 40 cases- 1500ml
