2007 Mount Eden - Chardonnay Reserve
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The 2007 Chardonnay Reserve is the first vintage of this extended-aging regimen, in which a selection of barrels are racked with their lees into stainless steel tank for a year. Winemaker Jefferey Patterson had always wished to experiment with this process, and upon opening a second facility at Domaine Eden, the spatial constraints that had previously precluded it were alleviated. At 17 years old, still-vibrant aromas of white peach compote, nutmeg, flint and buttered bread bound from the glass. The palate takes the rich concentration and clean, structured acidity that Mount Eden is known for and turns it up, leading to a mineral-tinged finish. This was a beautiful showing but still has years ahead of it.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2007 Chardonnay Reserve presents a compelling mélange of rich, viscous texture layered with veins of freshness that make it arguably the most complete of these four Chardonnays for current drinking. Orange peel, flowers, white pepper, mint, apricot jam and truffle notes are all forward and deeply expressive. All the elements come together effortlessly in a beautifully layered Chardonnay that delivers plenty of depth with no excess heaviness.
The first vintage that Jeffrey Patterson made a Reserve bottling. He copies Roulot with ageing on lees in tank. (He also makes an estate bottled Chardonnay that’s bottled in July.) Deep gold. Relatively rich on the palate and pretty solid. Could do with a little more freshness. (JR)
The 2007 Chardonnay Reserve is a strikingly beautiful, textured wine endowed with layers of rich fruit. It comes across as surprisingly tight and mineral-driven. The purity and finesse here are simply dazzling. The Reserve is fermented and aged in barrel, then goes back into tank for another 10 months until all of the lees have been absorbed. It is a fabulous Chardonnay loaded with personality and sheer class.