I am one too often to be down on California Chardonnay. More than not, they just all taste the same-boring. Every now and then an example rises above and beyond the call of duty, and California again brings magic to her wines. This was found today in a couple of the wines tasted from Mount Eden Vineyards.
-2007 Mount Eden “Arroyo” Chardonnay: This is a very pretty wine to look at. It shows a shimmering brilliant deep straw color. It displays copious Chardonnay fruit, as well as an inviting streak of butter. The acids are very lively, cleaning up the richness and creaminess of the wine. Very Elegant. It is proof that all Callifornia chardonnays are not equal. You won’t go wrong here. This is nicely done.
-2005 Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay, Santa Cruz
More beautiful color here, showing a deep straw. The aromatics are brooding and muscular. Apples, pears and a fine layering of nutty, delicately integrated oak. An inviting, never annoying wisp of pleasure. On the palate this wine sings. It displays Premier Cru Mearsault flavors and textures showing good viscosity and a delicious nuttiness. Again, this wine as did the “Arroyo,” just nails it with its electric acidity and racy zip. It is very long in the mouth, and draws one in. This one will be memorable. And the track record of this wine leads me to believe that this will be showing very well for a good few years to come. Buy this.
