Tasting Notes

Release Date: Fall 2014

We’ve been producing Chardonnay from this vineyard since 1985. Planted in 1976, it is the oldest producing vineyard in Edna Valley. Mount Eden has the longest single vineyard bottling lineage in the valley too.

The consistency of this wine over the years is why we do it. Some vintages are lean with razor sharp acidity while others are rich and ripe; yet, all show style, precision and unique terroir. 2012 is a vintage with a bit of both stylistically.

Harvested in late October (late by anyone’s standards) the yields hovered around one ton per acre. Concentration is the signature of 2012. Aromas of honeysuckle, quince and cinnamon are immediately engaging. Rich flavors of tropical-infused fruit saturate the palate, backed up with an acidic core that brings freshness and zest.

Everything that this vineyard is known for is in abundance here. The miniscule crop size is a big factor along with a long growing season. Given this wine’s history, quality, and rarity, it represents one of the greatest values in Chardonnay from California.

Production

3,144

Tech Notes

Yield: 1 ton per acre

Harvest: October 8th-19th

Numbers @ Harvest: 22.7° Brix, 3.6 pH, 7.5 grams acidity

Barrel Regimen: 1/2 French & 1/2 American Oak- one-third new; 100% Barrel Fermented; 50% Malolactic; 100% sur-lie

Bottling: June 2013

Alcohol: 13.5%

Reviews

93 points Wine Enthusiast Magazine - November 2014

#17 Top 100 Wines of 2014-Best of Year Issue 2014 (Mid-December 2014)

Buttered toast, oaky smoke and a slight mango topicality converge for an epic nose on this Chardonnay from a vineyard that was planted in 1976. There are layers of flavor too, lime citrus at first evolving toward brioche with a butterscotch finish, and some salt and cracked pepper throughout.—MK

91 points Antonio Galloni presents Vinous - July 2014

The 2012 Chardonnay Wolff Vineyard is once again striking. Honey, almonds, apricots, dried pears and spices meld together in a resonant, deeply expressive Chardonnay from a late ripening site in Edna Valley. This is one of the great values in California wine. Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson gave the 2012 ten months in barrel. Drink 2014-2018

89 points Wine Spectator - December 2014

A spicy, floral and briny scent carries over to the palate, with savory dried herb, peach and nectarine flavors that are fresh and vibrant. Ends with pithy tannins. Drink now through 2020