Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2014

A freakish winter-like storm blew through our vineyards in the first week of June 2011.  The rain and cold winds took a toll on our Chardonnay vines-- which were in the middle of flowering. The crop loss was a devastating 40%.  The silver lining though was a summer that proceeded perfectly and harvest commenced late in September under ideal conditions.

With such a small yield, you would expect a high level of concentration and innate complexity. This happened along with great acidity and freshness. Our barrel selection was 26% from Mount Eden and 74% from Domaine Eden. Totally barrel fermented and aged on the lees for eleven months. Toasty notes of lanolin, gardenia blossom and lime zest aromas are inviting and abundant. On the palate there is a beguiling contrast of great mid-palate energy and length with overall elegance. Flavors of hazelnut, citrus and wild sage are subtle yet pervasive. This is the best Domaine Eden Chardonnay we have made yet. Aging potential is at least to 2018.

Production

1,288

Tech Notes

Yield: 3 tons per acre

Harvest: October 1st-3rd

Numbers @ Harvest: 22.5° Brix, 3.50 pH, 7.7 grams acidity

Barrel Regimen: French Burgundy-30% new; aged 11 months in barrel, sur-lie

Bottling: August 2012

Alcohol: 14%

Reviews

92 points Antonio Galloni presents Vinous - July 2014

Smoke, slate, apricot, spice and lemon peel nuances form an attractive fabric in the 2011 Chardonnay. Today, the aromatics are a bit closed, but with a little time in the glass the wine opens up beautifully. Power, minerality and energy are the signatures in a wine that delivers superb quality and pedigree for the money. The Domaine Eden Chardonnay is approximately 60% from the property itself and 40% deselected barrels from Mount Eden. Drink 2014-2019

91 points CELLAR SELECTION Wine Enthusiast Magazine  - November 2014

Mount Eden’s more affordable sister label produces this Chardonnay that kicks off with aromas of flint and firecrackers, like a just fired pistol. The smoke carries to the palate, but the experience is really about tension between the battling fruit, spice and savory elements. There is a mystery to this wine that will only unfold with patience. Drink 2016 onward. —MK

89 points YEAR'S BEST, BEST BUY Wine & Spirits Magazine - October 2014

With air, this Chardonnay’s flintiness melds with sweet oak and apple tones, ending on mineral freshness. Stash a few bottles away to see if it ages as well as its bigger sibling, the estate wine from Mount Eden.