Mount Eden is unquestionably one of the finest producers of Chardonnay in California. The 1991 and 1990 Estate Chardonnays share bouquets of toasty new oak, earthy, buttery fruit, and minerals. They are tightly knit, rich, full-bodied, concentrated wines that are dead ringers for a top premier cru or grand cru white burgundy. Although I did not have the opportunity to taste them side by side, my recollection is that the 1991 Chardonnay offers additional layers of flavor and longer finish than the exquisite 1990. Based on past efforts, these wines should last for 4-8 years.

Best Wines of 1993-When it is good, it is very good, and in 1991, the Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay is simply spectacular! Deep, dense and loaded with rich oak and bold fruit, this potent scene-stealer ranks among the winery’s (and California’s) finest efforts ever and should get better over many years to come

Best Buy 1993-Already having garnered top honors as one of our picks-of- the-year for 1993, the altogether amazing Mount Eden Vineyards 1991 ($32) is worth every dime of its field- leading price and should be sought out so long as any hope of its finding remains

One of the finest Chardonnays yet from Mount Eden, this wine has dense, full-scaled varietal fruit perfectly capable to stand up to the bold oak apparent in this powerhouse rendering. The aromas show ample fruit under somewhat charred barrel scents and, in the mouth, the wine is flavorful and deep with intriguing suggestions of complexity that should further develop with bottle age. It has a lengthy finish and is delicious now, but its peak should come in two to four years.

Medium-light golden yellow color; very attractive, rich, intense, toasty, buttery ripe Chardonnay fruit aroma with notes of spice and vanilla; full body; forward, rich slightly viscous, intense, textured, toasty, lemony, ripe fruit flavors with good depth; well balanced and structured; touch of astringency on the oak finish; lingering aftertaste. Superior quality. One of the best Chardonnays of the vintage we’ve tasted to date. It will continue to develop with several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 17 (94 of 100)

Mount Eden Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains, Estate Chardonnay 1991 $37
An indisputably great wine, this is one of the five best New World chardonnays that I have tasted. It has a bit of everything: spicy oak, buttery richness, crisp fruit, toasty, yeast notes, perfectly integrated acidity and a lingering, clean finish. Like all the world’s best wines – regardless of category – the outstanding attribute here is a magical harmony and the proportionality in which all of these attributes work to balance and magnify one another. The wine is also very adaptable, being wonderful on its own and equally wonderful with food. Very little is made, but it is well worth the search. Grade A.