Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2012

Looking back on 2009 we were blessed with a more rain than the previous two years. We dry farm and rely on rainfall exclusively to provide enough water for our vineyard. A deep winter freeze set up the vines for their much needed dormant period and the colder it is, the deeper they sleep.

Harvest time was normal (for a change) with September’s warmth driving the fruit to ripen. The all-important acidities remained high, allowing us to make our signature old-world style.

The blend this year was 60% from Mount Eden’s estate vines and 40% from Domaine Eden. The grapes were picked by hand and crushed within three hours of harvest, barrel-fermented in Burgundy barrels and aged on the lees for ten months.

This wine is icy clean, vibrant and mineral in style with flavors of citrus zest, quince and spring flowers. For lovers of precision and delicacy in the expression of Chardonnay, this is it.

It should age beautifully for 7-10 years.

Production

2,909

Tech Notes

Yield: 3.2 tons per acre

Harvest: September 9th-27th

Numbers @ Harvest: 23.5° Brix, 3.39 pH, 8.3 grams acidity

Barrel Regimen: French Burgundy-1/2 new; aged 11 months in barrel, sur-lie

Bottling: August 2010

Alcohol: 13.8%

Reviews

90 points Wine Spectator - July 2012

Trim and pure, this is focused on white peach, tangerine and honeysuckle, ending with a push of delicate lemony citrus. Drink now through 2018. –JL.

89 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - August 2012

Issue #202

The flavors have integrated beautifully. There is a lovely balance of rich, creamy fruit and Santa Cruz minerality. Citrus, nectarine and light floral honey are layered into the focused, vibrant finish. The 2009 is 60% Chardonnay from the Domaine Eden property and 40% declassified barrels from Mount Eden. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.