Eden Rift Chardonnay Estate Cienega Valley 2021

“A selection of favorite barrels aged in 17% new oak, the 2021 Chardonnay Estate leads with an open-knit, energetic nose grounded by a subtle creamy, honeyed power and a pleasing touch of reduction. The palate balances textural richness with linear focus, concluding with a layered, lifted finish. This is a beautiful midpoint between Burgundian influence and California confidence.”

“This Eden Rift Vineyards Chardonnay hails from the mountainside slopes of the Gabilan Range in Cienega Valley, approximately 20 miles inland from Monterey Bay. The vines are anchored in decomposed granite and limestone soils. Fragrant, flinty, and toasty notes rise from the glass, giving way to citrus-led fruit, apricot, and a more mineral-driven profile than the previous vintage. Rich Meyer lemon and toasted notes emerge on the medium- to full-bodied palate, with a salty mineral character layered throughout the bone-dry finish. Year after year, this wine shows gorgeous layering and balance, and the 2021 is right in line with the 2019, though with even greater focus and precision.”