95 POINT 2012 MOUNT EDEN CHARDONNAY ESTATE

 

95 POINT 2012 MOUNT EDEN CHARDONNAY ESTATE

"Mount Eden wines remain reference points for the Santa Cruz Mountains."

Antonio Galloni Vinous Media

 

Mount Eden above the clouds

Mount Eden Vineyards is a small historic wine estate located on a 2000 foot peak in the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation about 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1945, it is recognized as one of the original “boutique” California Winery properties focusing on small lots of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While most of California was producing jug wine Martin Ray started to produce wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes in the 1930s. Following in his footsteps have been such outstanding winemakers such Richard and Peter Graff, Merry Edwards, Bill Anderson and Fred Peterson to continue Martin Ray’s legacy by using the same sites and clones to craft delicious, complex, long-lived estate wines. Since 1981 Jeffrey Peterson has guided the winemaking and grape growing at Mount Eden.  The continued success of Mount Eden is a tribute to all those visionaries that came before him.   2012 Mount Eden Chardonnay Estate Santa Cruz Mountains Bottle Price $59.99/bottle "An utterly enticing, striking wine, the 2012 Chardonnay is captivating from the very first taste. Lemon oil, white flowers and mint are some of the signatures. The 2012 remains subtle and hushed in the glass, with striking interplay of fruit, acidity and bright saline notes. Above all else, the 2012 speaks to pure class. Once again, Mount Eden's Chardonnay stakes its claim as one of this country's oenological jewels. The 2012 appears to have a very bright future. Readers who can find it should not hesitate to pick it up."  Antonio Galloni Vinous Media 95+ points  Drink 2015-27