2019 Estate Chardonnay - Eden Rift Vineyards

A beguilingly expressive yet still energetic procession of succulent peach, lemon preserves, golden delicious apple, and pineapple upsidedown cake lavishly radiates with impressive generosity and ripeness while notes of limestone, sea spray, and saline minerality provide pleasantly offsetting streaks of coastal earthiness. Wafts of honeysuckle, jasmine, and peach blossom boldly enhance aromatics via delightfully lifted floral character that is bolstered in its perceived opulence by cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and a range of pretty baking spices. Hints of whipped cream and creme brulee gently impart irresistible buttery and creamy character while the balanced decadence of hazelnut, brown sugar, and angel food cake contributes deliciously nutty dessert-like delight. Beautifully luscious yet lively on the palate with gobs of seductive roundness playfully combated by admirable tension and energy; exhibiting an attractively forward and modern presentation that combines terrific complexity with an approachable easy-drinking demeanor. Medium-plus bodied and kept fresh by nicely elevated acidity. This 2019 Estate Chardonnay by Eden Rift Vineyards is a rich yet elegant white from the Cienega Valley. 

Located in the heart of California's Central Coast just 20 miles from the cold waters of the Monterey Bay, the Cienega Valley is a small yet historic winegrowing zone that has proven to possess ideal terroir for high quality cool climate viticulture. This bottling, crafted by Eden Rift Vineyards using Chardonnay grown at their Cienega Valley estate vineyards, is an outstanding example of the combination of energy and depth that this storied region can facilitate. This gleefully emits a rich core of citrus, orchard, and tropical fruits that remain nicely balanced despite their ripeness, and it backs them with aromatic floral tones, delicious bready and nutty qualities, irresistible creaminess, and clean coastal earthy charm. This is a well executed and downright textbook example of modern California Chardonnay, and is sure to impress those who enjoy both electricity and power. Excellent.