# Estate Chardonnay (2019)

- **Producer:** Mount Eden Vineyards
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple blossom, honeysuckle, lemon, hazelnut, anise, butter, cardamom, wet stones

## About this wine

Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay 2019 is a single-varietal Chardonnay from Mount Eden Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California. The producer is one of California's foundational boutique wineries, established in 1945. The estate is located at an elevation of 2,000 feet, planted on Franciscan shale soils. Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson has guided the winery since 1981, focusing on sustainable farming and a natural winemaking approach. The wine is crafted from estate-grown fruit, reflecting a commitment to the vineyard's unique ecology and a style that emphasizes age-worthiness.

## Interesting facts

- Mount Eden's Chardonnay vines average 1-2 tons per acre, ensuring concentrated fruit.
- The estate is situated at 2,000 feet elevation.
- This Chardonnay is known for its long aging potential, often 15+ years.
- Wine Spectator has named this Chardonnay one of its Top 100 Wines of the Year five times.

## Food pairing

The full body and richness of this Chardonnay complement fatty fish and roasted meats. Its underlying acidity cuts through creamy sauces and rich dishes, while notes of hazelnut and spice can echo savory preparations.

## Wine making process

Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay is produced using 100% estate-grown Chardonnay grapes. The harvest occurs when grapes are slightly yellow to yellow-green, and they are pressed without crushing. Vinification involves barrel fermentation in French Burgundy barrels, with a mix of new and one-year-old vessels. Complete malolactic fermentation is employed. The wine undergoes ten months of aging on its lees, followed by an additional two years of cellaring prior to release. The alcohol by volume is 14.00%.