Has anyone tried this wine? It got killer reviews from both Vinous and Wine Spectator. I was thinking of picking up some but was hoping someone could chime in with some notes. TIA.
I thought the 2011 Domaine Eden Chardonnay was pretty tremendous. I imagine the Mount Eden bottling shows a bit more focus and detail.
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2011 Domaine Eden Chardonnay - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (9/16/2014)
92+ Points. Tasted serially over two hours. Served at 58-62F.
On the nose, toasty lees and spice dominate. On the palate fresh white peach and candied citrus are followed by toast and warm spices. Texturally, there’s tremendous mouthfeel here that’s counterbalanced perfectly by solid acidity. The barrel fermentation and sur-lie are obvious on the wine, but complement the density, length and energy on the palate.
Right now there’s not much delineation on the palate, but the palate intersects perfectly between richness and freshness. With some time in the cellar it’s possible greater complexity might show, but this is primarily about the tremendous texture and energy. A stunning showing for a second label wine and an excellent value. I continue to be impressed by California’s 2011 whites. (92 pts.)
For what it’s worth I thought I was going out on a limb on Cellartracker given others opinions. A week or so after I wrote that tasting note I saw the latest Vinous reviews and this scored 92 or thereabouts by Galloni.
I would think that the Mount Eden and Domaine Eden both qualify as a buy.
Mount Eden represents one of the greatest values for classically styled wines coming out of CA. I think the Chardonnay tends to not show as well young with a good amount of oak and structure but really starts opening up after 5-7 years in bottle. The 2001 is drinking great right now if you ever come across some older vintages. I dabble in the chard but religiously buy a mixed case of cab and Pinot every vintage. The Cabernet is one of my favorites and is a great buy in the $50 range. Not many $50 ca cabs left that can age like these do.
Overall a great winery to follow, the domaine Eden stuff is hit and miss but can represent good value. The 2010 domaine eden Pinot is crazy good and a steal if you can find it for $30 or less, not so much with the 2011.
I think most of the folks that like and purchase Mount Eden Estate Chards are familiar with how they age and would probably not be popping the cork off of a 2011 anytime soon. I don’t have a ton of experience here, but I’ve consumed three 2006’s over the last three years and the last one (in Sept) seemed to have put on a lot of weight and had become much richer. The flavors were fantastic (liquid creme brulee with a lemon drop), it was just that previous bottles seemed more restrained and had more of a mineral streak in them - just my take based on memory. BTW, I bought a couple bottles of the 2011.
Thanks for thus notes guys. Sounds like just the kind of chard for me.
The Domaine Eden Pinot is also impressive
I tasted the 2011 two weeks ago and loved it. Two minor nitpicks: as Tyler mentioned, the oak is very noticeable today and also this vintage doesn’t seem quite as “Burgundian” as usual. But there’s no question that this is a world-class chardonnay and it has both the stuffing and the structure to age beautifully. Full disclosure - I sell this wine - but I’d be raving about it nonetheless.
I had it a year and a half ago at the winery and was blown away. (Much more so than my companions.) Didn’t get much oak at that time, just amazing focus and insane complexity. I’ve had most vintages back to '80, and that early impression set this a tad above. This is a wine that rewards a decade of maturity. Any oak that’s showing now will be integrated long before that.
The 2011 CA Chards I’ve tried in general - not a long list, but producers who I consider excellent - mark it as a truly special vintage.
I just picked up a 6-pack of these. The shipping was crazy (>$8 per bottle, huh?!) but I can’t source these anywhere locally in TX so oh well. I’ll let these sit for a few years before popping one - glad I jumped in on the 2011s.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. As Wes stated, it’s a special vintage for white wines in California. The texture, intensity and freshness is remarkable.
Wow, so far, this is probably the best chardonnay I have ever had. I was amazed at the complexity and balance and I will echo the comments about texture and freshness. It started out seemingly all pear with a lemon drop, but as it warmed up a bit, tropical fruit came forward along with a great mineral streak and even a touch of crème brulee. It had a lot going on and I don’t think I can describe it all. Normally I would have waited another couple of years before opening this, but I’m glad I did. Cheers!
Violently agree. The Chardonnay can be a bit tough initially but evolves marvelously with several years aging. Great stuff, and a wine I love to fool my Franco-phile friends with periodically at blind tastings…
I’ve tasted the 2009, 2010, and 2011 and the 2011 was my favourite. It was the most elegant, mineral and least oaky of these. Wish I had the chance to pick some up, I really enjoyed it.
Agreed, Mt Eden and what I’ve tried from Domaine Eden are among my favorites in California. Love everything about them including the packaging.
Scott, a quick thought on shipping. That’s probably the actual cost of shipping (including shipper) for a six pack to your area. Wineries subsidize the cost of shipping all the time, which can be awkward because the costs are incredibly high but customers can easily think they’re being taken for a ride if the actual cost is passed on. I’m guessing that’s the situation here - doesn’t mean you should love shipping charges but at least feel comfortable they are real.
Glad this thread is still alive 2.5 years after the first post. I’ve only opened one bottle of a six-pack, but it was so good, I could care less about the shipping. This is truly some special wine.
Curious from the original discussion, did you buy from the winery? Prices and shipping are ALOT lower from retail, which I’ve always found unusual.
All that being said, it’s one of the best Chards out there. Fantastic wine!
I bought from the winery. Live in TX which doesn’t allow many options given our b.s. 3-tier monopoly.
Ahh yes, understood, and worth it then.