Release Date:  Spring 1999

The Chardonnay wines from this mountaintop are a bit unusual.  A wine writer did a 15 year vertical of Mount Eden Chardonnay a couple of years ago and after tasting one glass per bottle I was left with fifteen barely used bottles of Chardonnay on my table.  Not really knowing what to expect I simply recorked the bottles and left them on the table.  Over the next three days I returned to sample the various vintages going back to my debut the 1981.  The striking impression over that time was how fresh and vigorous all of the wines tasted, (yes, all of the wines) even on the third day.

The growing season in 1997 was close to greenhouse perfection.  Early spring, somewhat free of rain, moderate summer conditions starting in March, slow even ripening cool consistent autumn, harvesting under perfect conditions allowing style to dictate.  It spoils one.

We fermented the ’97 in new French burgundy barrels and puncheons as is our tradition but this year the total ten months were great sur lies.  Stylistically, the vintage is rich yet nervous, poised for a long life ahead.  Classic lemon, pear, hazelnut flavors fill the palate with nuance of yeasty bread dough.  A long energetic finish completes the picture.  Give it a couple of years and enjoy for the following decade.