2016 Estate Chardonnay - Eden Rift Vineyards

White peach, honeysuckle, lemon curd. Washed apple, cool granite slab, fresh pineapple. Vanilla bean and macadamia nut, peeled cucumber and white orchid. Clean & manicured fruit featuring poached pear, papaya, and tangerine rests softly atop spring flowers after rain. Pretty oak cooperage has left traces of clove and nutmeg that fade slowly into cold polished marble. Subtly round, classically constructed, and beautifully pure. This 2016 Estate Chardonnay by Eden Rift Vineyards is a delicate and gorgeous Chard from one of California's oldest winegrowing properties.

At the base of the Gavilan Mountain Range some 20 miles from the Monterey coastline sits an extremely unique and storied estate. Eden Rift Vineyards, located within the La Cienega Valley appellation of San Benito County, resides on a piece of land that has been continuous producing wine grapes since it was first planted to vines in 1849. The property has been passed through a handful of owners over the years, but its cool climate paired granitic and calcareous soils have long aided in its reputation for quality wine production. This bottling, crafted from 100% estate grown Chardonnay, is a fantastic example of what makes this site special. It exhibits both coastal and mountainous influences with a unique finish reminiscent of a deep breath of cool fresh air. Perfectly ripe with the fruit well in check, this wine was great upon opening yet filled out substantially with a bit of air. Really fun and delicious.