A blend of Domaine Eden cuvées and Mount Eden cuvées, which have a fruity flavor and can be enjoyed young. The mouthfeel is mellow and rich, with lively citrus acidity that is unique to vineyards on high mountaintops, tightening the whole. The hazelnut, mellow honey and herb flavors from fermentation and aging in French barrels are pleasant.
The grapes in their own vineyards at high altitudes are not irrigated or fertilized, which puts them under a lot of stress, resulting in low yields and grapes with a strong sense of concentration.
Domaine Eden's Chardonnay is a blend of Domaine Eden cuvées and Mount Eden cuvées, which have a fruity flavor and can be enjoyed at a young age.
Technical information
Harvest: September 1st to 17th, about two weeks earlier than the previous year
All of the vineyards are at high altitudes and in dry farmland, so the grapes are picked relatively early to preserve their natural acidity.
Brewing and ageing: Fermented in French barrels and aged on the lees for 10 months.
(2nd to 5th year barrels) 100% malolactic fermentation.
Vintage Information
The 2021 growing season was memorable for being very dry. Rainfall for the year was only 300mm, the lowest in nearly 80 years of history. However, the vines enjoyed a mild spring and summer, allowing them to thrive. Harvest began in early September and was near average.
Tasting Comments
The first thing that strikes you is the beautiful and fresh floral aroma. The taste is rich yet elegant, with a beautiful balance of citrus, hazelnut, and herb flavors. Fermented in barrels and aged on the lees, the flavors are well-integrated, the mouthfeel is mellow, and the finish is very long. The lively acidity that is unique to high-altitude vineyards tightens the whole thing.
It's enjoyable now, but it's sure to get even better over the next five years.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: White wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Chardonnay
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyards: Domaine Eden (own vineyards), Mount Eden (own vineyards) plus vineyards from nearby contracted farmers
Winemaker: Jeffrey Patterson
Winemaking: Wild yeast, French barrel fermentation
Aging: 10 months in French barrels (used for several years), 100% MLF, unfiltered, bottled without artificial fining
Soils: Domaine Eden: Los Gatos clay loam soil, Mount Eden: Franciscan shale soil
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.0%
JAN: 791066200724