Mount Eden Vineyards

Tasting Notes

Release Date: Spring 2000

This is it, the last Pinot Noir produced from the vines planted by Mr. Martin Ray in 1942. We offer this special bottling, Cuvée des Vieilles Vignes, as a tribute to his vision, tenacity and belief in this variety and to you, the wine connoisseurs of the world, for buying and drinking this most idiosyncratic of wines.

The vineyard was pulled out after the 1997 harvest and replanted in the spring of 1998. Our Pinot currently comes from two 20 year-old vineyards located on-half mile away from the original here on Mount Eden.Fortunately, given the finality of the occasion, the '97 vintage turned out quite wonderful. Classic blueberry-red fruit nose with that earthy stink that spells serious old vine wine. On the palate, the Pinot Noir conundrum of force with gentleness combine with flavors of cardamom, raspberry and an aftertaste with lasts minutes.

This bottling, historic, tasty and rare is the end of a successful fifty-five year beginning of this wine estate. My the next fifty-five years be even better.

90 points California Grapevine - August 2000

Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, earthy, complex, spicy, cedary, red cherry fruit aroma that has developed a pleasing bouquet; medium to medium-full body; rich, elegant, spicy, smoky, ripe cherry fruit flavors; well balanced; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended.

89 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - June 2000

Issue # 129

The delicious, light ruby-colored 1997 Pinot Noir Cuvee Vieilles Vignes offers aromas of sweet berries/cherries, earth, animal, and spice. Round and generous, with balancing acidity, this complex, evolved Pinot Noir should continue to drink well for 5-7 years.