1997 Estate Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Chardonnay 25th Anniversary, which is given full malolactic fermentation and aged in all French oak, of which 50% is new, is bottled without fining or filtration. While I do not believe this wine possesses the intensity, richness, or longevity of the 1996, it is nevertheless an outstanding wine. It possesses a complex, honeysuckle, and citrusy-scented nose with subtle oak and a pronounced mineral component. Full-bodied, with superb fruit purity, fine underlying acidity, and a long finish, it should last for a decade. Tel. (408) 867-5832; Fax (408) 867-4329
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Big, ripe aromas of coconut, lemon and caramel. Fairly rich in the mouth, but tightly wrapped today; like the above, a bit less dense and concentrated than some recent vintages. But this filled in nicely with aeration. Finishes with a slight sensation of heat and palate-coating fruit. If past vintages are any indication, impatient Mount Eden fans should hold off on this wine until at least next fall.