Mount Eden Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2004

#13 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2008

This full bodied chardonnay displays fine underlying acidity and a long finish, with hints of cardamom, anise and hazelnut which add interest to the fundamental lemon-mineral flavors. Of all Mount Eden's estate-grown wines, our chardonnay is most in need of further bottle aging at time of release, requiring an additional two to four years to fully reveal its true character. Many vintages are still fresh and enjoyable after fifteen years; this wine is considered one of the longest-lived white wines produced in California.

"Both of these wines, as well as the winery's estate-grown Cabernet, would make a list of the best and most ageworthy in California. What makes these two gems so special is their similarity to French burgundies in style, delicacy, balance and ability to improve over time. Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson excels with these wines in warm and cool years alike: in warmer years the flavors are fuller and richer; in cooler years they display more mineral and earthy touches. The vines, grown at 2000 feet, are among the oldest of their kind in the state." 94 Points
Wine Spectator

"Another brilliant Chardonnay from this historic producer high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2004 Chardonnay Estate offers a beautiful perfume of subtle pineapple, orange marmalade, buttered citrus, white currants, and wet rocks in the mouth. It reveals stunning purity, crisp acidity, and a drinkability window of 7 to 10 years. It is very rich, but surprisingly light on its feet." 95 Points
Wine Advocate

"Mount Eden's estate Chardonnay typically starts out life as a tight, nervous wine. It's marked by acidity and minerals, and you don't want to drink it too cold. The '04 is a lovely young wine, rich and dramatically complex, with layers of pineapples, Meyer lemons, limes, wet stone, creamy yeast and smoky oak, like an important Chablis. Brilliant now, it should develop additional bottle nuances over the next six years." 93 Points
Wine Enthusiast

"Light gold. Smoky pear and baked apple aromas are underscored by subtle minerals and baking spices, with a suave anise quality adding complexity. Open-knit fruit and melon flavors coat the palate and turn a touch warm on the finish. Picks up subtle tanginess on the finish, leaving suave wet stone and succulent herb flavors behind. This wine has a admirable track record for aging, but this bottle suggests that it might be prudent to drink this 2004 on the young side." 90 Points
International Wine Cellar