2009 Mount Eden Estate Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay (1.5L)

SKU #1115482 94 points Wine Spectator

*Top 100 Wines of 2012* At first, this teases, fresh and snappy, displaying lively acidity and zesty citrus, green apple and pear notes. Turns pithy midpalate, but the flavors pour though on the finish, adding mouthwatering touches of light oak and mineral. Should only get better. Drink now through 2025. 1,974 cases made. (7/ 2012)

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Chardonnay Estate is incomparably elegant. Lemon, lime, crushed rocks, spices and mint are some of the many nuances that take shape as the 2009 opens up in the glass. The 2009 is unusually open and approachable for a young Mount Eden Chardonnay, but there is plenty of stuffing for it to age well for many years. The 2009 will be even better in another few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Mount Eden is one of the United States’ great heritage estates. The Chardonnays and Pinots have a track record for aging spectacularly well... Winemaker and proprietor Jeffrey Patterson favors indigenous fermentations for all his wines, which are also bottled with no fining or filtration. The top Chardonnay bottling, the Estate, spends a year in barrel and six months in steel, as do so many of the top whites in Burgundy these days... If I am looking for an aged bottle of California Chardonnay or Pinot, Mount Eden is always at or near the top of my list. (8/ 2012)

93 points Wine Enthusiast

There’s a hard, minerally edge to this Chardonnay, like the tang of cold metal, an impression that’s heightened by its citrusy acids. The flavor veers toward Meyer lemon, while toasted oak brings needed vanilla and honey richness. It’s controlled and tight, compared to more opulent bottlings, but it’s also elegant and complex. Mount Eden’s Chardonnays have a history of aging, and this fine one will go for 10 years or so, gradually losing fruit. (12/ 2012)

90 points Wine & Spirits

This broad, rich chardonnay has density to its fruit, the oak integrated into the texture rather than overt in the aroma. Beyond the scent of lemon curd and chamomile, it’s youthfully pungent and raspy, needing time to mellow. (10/ 2012)

K&L Notes

100% Mount Eden clone Chardonnay, from the 20 acres of Chardonnay farmed at Mount Eden's estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The 2009 Estate Chardonnay was barrel-fermented aged for ten months on the lees, in two-thirds new French oak. It exhibits classic Mount Eden acidity framing a rich, creamy palate, with aromas and flavors of lemon curd, toasted almond, vanilla, and buttered toast. A firm undercurrent of minerals and creamy lees support a lingering finish in this nuanced wine that has the structure to age for many years. A California Chardonnay classic.