Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 1993

Edna Valley is an interesting place to grow wine grapes.  A mild short winter and a cool maritime climate in summer gives the vineyards the longest growing season of any Chardonnay area in California. What this means from a wine point of view is that grapes, by ripening slowly, have a chance to develop natural complexity.  This complexity, combined with our old-fashioned winemaking, results in a rich multifaceted Chardonnay that holds your interest long after the bottle is finished.

The '91 vintage in Edna Valley was even longer and later than usual. Harvest took place on October 24th and 25th under the diligent care of our grower Andy MacGregor. The freshly pressed juice was totally French barrel fermented and aged in our new underground cellar. Tropical fruit nuances with a touch of butter and toast from the fermentation in barrel are highlights, along with a creamy texture and firm acidity.

Production

4,382

Tech Notes

Sorry, technical notes are not available for this vintage.

Reviews

90 points Robert Parker Jr's Wine Advocate - June 1993

Issue # 87

For lovers of boldly flavored, flamboyant Chardonnays, this 1991 cuvee is a winner. The lavish quantities of honeyed pineapple fruit are accompanied by intriguing lemon notes. Deep, unctuous, and opulent, this dramatic, fat, fleshy Chardonnay should be drunk with intensely flavored seafood or fowl dishes. It will probably not last more than 12 months, so do not buy more than you can consume over that time.

The Underground Wine Journal  

The 1991 Mount Eden MacGregor Vineyard, Edna Valley light yellow, has a perfumed nose of toasty vanilla tropical fruit, citrus, ripe apple and spice. The vanilla, tropical fruit, apple and citrus flavors, hinting of spice, are clean, crisp, fresh, with good depth and balance, medium acidity and a long finish.  Score 16