Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2020

2017 was a picture-perfect growing season with abundant rainfall and a cold winter. Budbreak was normal and the grapes were harvested in the first half of September; a little heat before picking resulted in added concentration.

This is a powerful vintage with a deep red color. On the nose, there is an immense perfume of sandalwood, damp earth, violets and red raspberry. The palate frames layers of red fruit flavors with bright acidity and modest tannins. The overall complexity and generosity are beguiling. This wine displays the potential of the variety going back to the Burgundian, Paul Masson and his pivotal Pinot Noir planted in 1900.

The 2017 should drink well for another twenty years.

Production

1,848

Tech Notes

Yield: 1.7 tons per acre

Harvest: September 6th-10th

Numbers @ Harvest: 23.5° Brix, 3.50 pH, 8.5 grams acidity

Barrel Regimen: French Burgundy-1-5 years old

Bottling: August 2018; no fining or filtration

Alcohol: 14.5%

Reviews

93 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - February 2021, Week 1

The 2017 Pinot Noir from Domaine Eden has a pleasant volcanic-like nose with scents of tar, scorched earth and iodine with a core of pure, aniseed-laced red and black berry fruits. Medium-bodied, the palate packs intense, pure flavors into a finely silty, fresh frame, and it finished very long. It’s an earthy, layered Pinot that will age very well in bottle. —E. B

92 points Wine Enthusiast Magazine - December 2020

Editors Choice 

This is a great example of the wines being made by Mount Eden and other classic producers in this region. Aromas of ripe raspberry, crushed stone and dried herbs lead into a taut palate where cranberry skin, wild sage and tobacco flavors ride vibrant acidity. Editors’ Choice. —M.K.

91 points Antonio Galloni presents Vinous - September 9, 2020

The 2017 Pinot Noir is rich, effusive and full of character. In 2017, the Pinot Noir is perhaps a bit richer than it can be, but all the elements come together nicely with a bit of time. Succulent red cherry, rose petal, mint and cinnamon all build in an ample, luscious Pinot that will drink well right out of the gate Harvest took place in mid-September, later than at Mount Eden, as is always the case. This is the first vintage that includes fruit from a block planted with budwood from Rhys.

17.5 points JaniceRobinson.com - January 18, 2021

17.5 (about 92-93 on the 100-pt. scale)

10% whole-cluster fermented. Grown on the old Cinnabar Winery estate, at 1,650 ft (503 m) elevation on a north-facing slope. Roughly 1,900 cases produced. Aromas of cranberry and cherry fruit. Bright cranberry and cherry flavours are juicy with hints of earthier pomegranate and dried flowers. Excellent acidity and hints of dried citrus peel linger in the finish. Excellent. (AY)