Eye: deep garnet Nose: M, cassis, tomato leaf, dark fruit, plum, smoke, coffee, chocolate Mouth: acidity M+, tannin dry M+, int M+, body M+, alcoholic heat, cranberry Finish: long, elegant, a little acidic with a alcoholic heat A little youthful, it is a wine for the future
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
One hour decant. Golden yellow. Pear, yellow apple, vanilla. Medium/full bodied and smooth with vivacious acidity. Paired well with shrimp pasta dish. I'll give longer decant next bottle.
Bumped this down a couple from my last bottle. Had over two days. Day 1 this was very different from every other bottling I’ve had. Lots of ripe tropical fruits and they overpowered every other element.
Day 2 was better first half of the first glass was similar to day 1. Then it opened up more, last glass being the best. Minerality came out the fruit shared the stage and the oak felt more integrated.
I still don’t like it as much as the others, but it’s a really good bottle of cali Chardonnay when you can find it for $35-$40. Still a good amount of runway left too.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Golden yellow, no oxidation. Judicious but notable oak. Citrus and more tropical fruit. Deftly walks the line of rich, oaked and acidic, fresh Chardonnay.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Reiterate my note from a year ago, and add an exclamation point. This has continued to deepen, lengthen and balance since then, and I’d now score a point better (94-95+). Nothing to indicate that this won’t hold, and even improve just a bit, in the short to medium term. Tastes are personal for sure, but I put this right there with any CA chard that doesn’t have Mark or Luc’s name on the label, including the more expensive (and far more praised on CT) offerings from Peter Michael, Kistler (I’ll admit that I haven’t had enough of these to feel totally confident in my conclusion), VV, Ramey and Maxem. If you can get this in the range of $40, it’s larcenous, but even at full retail of about $60, this more than pulls its weight.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine continues to drink well with notes of white fruit, citrus, and minerals with good acidity and satisfying finish. Paired with grilled scallops.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
First bottle of the 3 that I got from LB. One that I’ll continue to seek out.
Baked apple and pear, slightly nutty, vanilla, marzipan, baking spice on the nose.
Palate: baked pear, yellow apple, lemon and baking spice. Not sure if it’s the vintage or just that it’s a year younger than the 2016s I’ve had, but the acidity is much more lively comparatively. I think I enjoyed this more than the ‘16 it’s not as soft because of the acid. Med + body. The alcohol is integrated but still felt a little. Just the right kiss of oak. Just good stuff from Mt. Eden.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Add pronounced, ripe cantaloupe on the nose to what's been noted before. Creamy amd mouth filling while remaining zippy and energetic. With just the right amount of oak, this is a stone fruit and citrus filled Chard that's drinking delightfully right now. Great qpr at $35.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is in a terrific place. Oak is beautifully integrated, fruit remains vibrant and there's just enough subtle complexity sneaking in. Enormously enjoyable and incredible value at LastBottle price.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Really excellent. Powerful yet not heavy. Classic notes of peaches and cream, with some oak bite that isn't over the top. Pronounced nose and good length. A fantastic cold weather white. Looking forward to my next bottle in a year or 2.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Closer to village Bourgogne than it is to a typical California chardonnay to me. Oak has integrated and it was balanced, at least on my first bottle. Regret not buying more.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
One off ($40) from Costco about 6 months ago. On the nose and palate, classic ME notes of Granny Smith apples, sweet pears, pink grapefruit, cumquat, Meyer lemon, and over time, some mixed tropical and stone fruits, toasted oaK, saline, mixed herb bouquet, river rocks and white florals. Medium to dark gold, medium to full bodied (and filling out over time), medium+ Legs. Great complexity and persistence, VG+ intensity. Per past experience, and prior TNs, with which I concur, I aerated this bottle for an hour+ and let it come up closer to room temperature before consuming, and even this with, this wine has continued developing and improving over 3 days. On the initial pour, this wine was less fulsome and more taut than the ‘15, with the mostly tart citrus notes, savoriness and minerality taking the lead, drinking at a 92+ level, but it steadily improved, showing real power, a really nice mix of slight sweetness, salinity and tartness, fruit and secondary notes. Lovely now both on its own and with a spicy seafood stir fry, this is already in a good drinking window with air, but I think short to medium term fluctuation will be to the upside, and this has good prospects to thrive for 8-10 years, while many of its CA kin, including those at higher price points, will become more suitable for cooking. Glad I have a couple more en route, at an even better price point ($33) to boot and won’t be in a hurry to pop them. I seem to be in a bit of a scoring rut, but at this price point, this quality level is more than solid, and while this may be yet another déclassé old school label some of my CT friends scoff at, but being a contrarian has never kept me up nights (I have more important things that do that). 93-94++
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Complex aromas and flavors of stone fruit, green apple, melon, and minerality. A touch of elegance on the palate with this; light on its feet but a great mid-palate. A steal on LB for $30
PNP. Nose of lemon, dried pineapple and some golden apple. Definitely some oak. Palate is similar to the nose. Medium acidity. Some minerality. Oaky presence. Rich texture. Slightly preferred to the Chateau Montelena 2017 chardonnay in side-by-side single blind tasting.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Somewhat of an oaky from Muskogee, very rich indeed with some alcohol showing, but heck, I like it - hands down. Fat and buttery, a wee bit spicy, this still retains balance (I think), but the acidity is not exactly pronounced, so careful with the food pairing. #Geranium
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
More oak influence than I prefer. This wine does not disappoint and is still young. Improved with air / time in glass. Complexity, weight, and balance. Do not over-chill as there is a lot going on here. While not a Napa bomb it is still very much CA in style. Impressed but I'd rather have Burgundy at this price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wow, this was recommended and it did not disappoint. Two non-chard drinkers thought it was delicious! I'm now a big fan of this Chard, will look for more.
Beautiful golden color; tropical fruits, vanilla, and popcorn on the nose; peach, lemon and butter; medium-bodied, silky smooth, good finish with acidity and subtle oak.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
*No decant* Bright and lively nose with pear, lemon, lime, brioche, dried thyme and almonds. Needs some air to open up and show it's full potential. Starts light and delicate on the palate, then amplifies and builds up with layers of flavours from the nose. Delicate, yet structured and with a powerful core. Finishes very long with hints of lemon biscuits and grapefruit. Outstanding overall balance 94/95. Would cellar and keep 2025 and well beyond
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Golden color with olive tinge. Nose some matchstick, some vanilla oak. Palate some golden fruit and oak, some vanilla notes. A stony minerality. Nice depth and balance; still young. Good with lobster rolls and fried shellfish. 92 pts
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Core notes and components are consistent with prior vintages. Excellent energy and balanced weight. Certainly approachable but distinctly young in how clumsy it tastes, even with air. Hold for a year or two (will easily last 5+ though).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Interesting fruit profile of green apple, pear and dried pineapple with some nutty and saline elements on the finish. Nice acidity with lovely texture. Quite interesting. Tasted at winery.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Medium acidity. Apple and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Strong lemon and mineral, with some of that classic chardonnay smoothness. Lingers in the mouth. Pretty good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This fresh but viscous Chardonnay is drinking well right now, with a citrus core and a honeyed mouthfeel that are incredibly unique. Golden yellow in color and full in body, the wine offers aromas of gooseberry, cantaloupe, brioche, and baked almond slices. Flavors of lemon peel, grapefruit, green apple, and vanillin, with a creamy and briny finish. 14% alcohol.
I know these Chardonnays age well, but my goodness I enjoy the freshness in their youth. A real value at $60 direct (and probably less from elsewhere). 94+ at the moment, with upside in another year or so.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Creamy mineral nose with notes of beeswax and honeysuckle. Rich weighty fruit on the palate balanced by a lovely acid lightness and a winding bitter note at the back. Plump but taut, beautifully balanced.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
3/10/2024 - TobbeVin wrote: 93 Points
Eye: deep garnet
Nose: M, cassis, tomato leaf, dark fruit, plum, smoke, coffee, chocolate
Mouth: acidity M+, tannin dry M+, int M+, body M+, alcoholic heat, cranberry
Finish: long, elegant, a little acidic with a alcoholic heat
A little youthful, it is a wine for the future
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/12/2024 - mvande21 wrote: 93 Points
One hour decant. Golden yellow. Pear, yellow apple, vanilla. Medium/full bodied and smooth with vivacious acidity. Paired well with shrimp pasta dish. I'll give longer decant next bottle.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
1/25/2024 - diffwine Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bumped this down a couple from my last bottle. Had over two days. Day 1 this was very different from every other bottling I’ve had. Lots of ripe tropical fruits and they overpowered every other element.
Day 2 was better first half of the first glass was similar to day 1. Then it opened up more, last glass being the best. Minerality came out the fruit shared the stage and the oak felt more integrated.
I still don’t like it as much as the others, but it’s a really good bottle of cali Chardonnay when you can find it for $35-$40. Still a good amount of runway left too.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/22/2024 - gmbdds wrote: 91 Points
Golden yellow, no oxidation. Judicious but notable oak. Citrus and more tropical fruit. Deftly walks the line of rich, oaked and acidic, fresh Chardonnay.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/9/2023 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine:
Reiterate my note from a year ago, and add an exclamation point. This has continued to deepen, lengthen and balance since then, and I’d now score a point better (94-95+). Nothing to indicate that this won’t hold, and even improve just a bit, in the short to medium term. Tastes are personal for sure, but I put this right there with any CA chard that doesn’t have Mark or Luc’s name on the label, including the more expensive (and far more praised on CT) offerings from Peter Michael, Kistler (I’ll admit that I haven’t had enough of these to feel totally confident in my conclusion), VV, Ramey and Maxem. If you can get this in the range of $40, it’s larcenous, but even at full retail of about $60, this more than pulls its weight.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/6/2023 - MC wrote:
Golden color. Great balance and such an enjoyable new world Chardonnay that has the balance and complexity of a burgundy. A-
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/23/2023 - spendergast Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine continues to drink well with notes of white fruit, citrus, and minerals with good acidity and satisfying finish. Paired with grilled scallops.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/10/2023 - PMJak11 Likes this wine: 96 Points
WOTN. Good color. Butter and cream with massive depth. Pears and subtle melons on the palate. Really good!
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/7/2023 - KAT9 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautiful bouque of fruits, burnt caramel. So intense yet light. Balance.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/4/2023 - diffwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
First bottle of the 3 that I got from LB. One that I’ll continue to seek out.
Baked apple and pear, slightly nutty, vanilla, marzipan, baking spice on the nose.
Palate: baked pear, yellow apple, lemon and baking spice. Not sure if it’s the vintage or just that it’s a year younger than the 2016s I’ve had, but the acidity is much more lively comparatively. I think I enjoyed this more than the ‘16 it’s not as soft because of the acid. Med + body. The alcohol is integrated but still felt a little. Just the right kiss of oak. Just good stuff from Mt. Eden.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/30/2023 - wiscgrad wrote: 92 Points
a bit reserved on the nose. powerful new world chard. golden in color
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/1/2023 - Shamroc41 wrote:
Very nice
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/16/2023 - rkliu Likes this wine: 93 Points
The compleixty of this Chardonnay is exceptional and in a very pleasant and well balanced way
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/15/2023 - Quaffing in Colorado Likes this wine: 93 Points
Add pronounced, ripe cantaloupe on the nose to what's been noted before. Creamy amd mouth filling while remaining zippy and energetic. With just the right amount of oak, this is a stone fruit and citrus filled Chard that's drinking delightfully right now. Great qpr at $35.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/16/2023 - spendergast Likes this wine: 94 Points
Another great effort by Mt Eden. Great crisp fruit, well balanced with hint of minerals and acidity. Paired beautifully with grilled swordfish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/8/2023 - jmull Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is in a terrific place. Oak is beautifully integrated, fruit remains vibrant and there's just enough subtle complexity sneaking in. Enormously enjoyable and incredible value at LastBottle price.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/20/2022 - PAX ROMANA Likes this wine: 93 Points
Really excellent. Powerful yet not heavy. Classic notes of peaches and cream, with some oak bite that isn't over the top. Pronounced nose and good length. A fantastic cold weather white. Looking forward to my next bottle in a year or 2.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/13/2022 - ewasowicz Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nose: limestone and lemon
Taste: stone, fruit, and kind of a lemon finish.
Great value b
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/22/2022 - fraliavin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Rich chardonnay with caramel and smoke on the nose; minerals, vanilla, peach and butter; nice finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/20/2022 - BButts Likes this wine: 92 Points
Closer to village Bourgogne than it is to a typical California chardonnay to me. Oak has integrated and it was balanced, at least on my first bottle. Regret not buying more.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/1/2022 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
One off ($40) from Costco about 6 months ago. On the nose and palate, classic ME notes of Granny Smith apples, sweet pears, pink grapefruit, cumquat, Meyer lemon, and over time, some mixed tropical and stone fruits, toasted oaK, saline, mixed herb bouquet, river rocks and white florals. Medium to dark gold, medium to full bodied (and filling out over time), medium+ Legs. Great complexity and persistence, VG+ intensity. Per past experience, and prior TNs, with which I concur, I aerated this bottle for an hour+ and let it come up closer to room temperature before consuming, and even this with, this wine has continued developing and improving over 3 days. On the initial pour, this wine was less fulsome and more taut than the ‘15, with the mostly tart citrus notes, savoriness and minerality taking the lead, drinking at a 92+ level, but it steadily improved, showing real power, a really nice mix of slight sweetness, salinity and tartness, fruit and secondary notes. Lovely now both on its own and with a spicy seafood stir fry, this is already in a good drinking window with air, but I think short to medium term fluctuation will be to the upside, and this has good prospects to thrive for 8-10 years, while many of its CA kin, including those at higher price points, will become more suitable for cooking. Glad I have a couple more en route, at an even better price point ($33) to boot and won’t be in a hurry to pop them. I seem to be in a bit of a scoring rut, but at this price point, this quality level is more than solid, and while this may be yet another déclassé old school label some of my CT friends scoff at, but being a contrarian has never kept me up nights (I have more important things that do that). 93-94++
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/7/2022 - clubs Likes this wine: 91 Points
Last of three the cork was somewhat brittle but the wine was excellent.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/1/2022 - bigredPA Likes this wine: 92 Points
Complex aromas and flavors of stone fruit, green apple, melon, and minerality. A touch of elegance on the palate with this; light on its feet but a great mid-palate. A steal on LB for $30
4 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
6/27/2022 - clubs Likes this wine: 90 Points
2nd bottle was OK.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
6/26/2022 - clubs wrote: flawed
First of three from Last Bottle. Cork needed to be punctured to pour the wine through.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/26/2022 - KAT9 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Super toasty, burned sugar, some stoned fruits, balanced. Alcohol is resolved. Is there anything in burgundy in this price range that can beat this?
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/24/2022 - ralaspech wrote: 91 Points
PNP. Nose of lemon, dried pineapple and some golden apple. Definitely some oak. Palate is similar to the nose. Medium acidity. Some minerality. Oaky presence. Rich texture. Slightly preferred to the Chateau Montelena 2017 chardonnay in side-by-side single blind tasting.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/21/2022 - beatles wrote: 92 Points
Somewhat of an oaky from Muskogee, very rich indeed with some alcohol showing, but heck, I like it - hands down. Fat and buttery, a wee bit spicy, this still retains balance (I think), but the acidity is not exactly pronounced, so careful with the food pairing.
#Geranium
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/15/2022 - aaronwine Likes this wine: 91 Points
More oak influence than I prefer. This wine does not disappoint and is still young. Improved with air / time in glass. Complexity, weight, and balance. Do not over-chill as there is a lot going on here. While not a Napa bomb it is still very much CA in style. Impressed but I'd rather have Burgundy at this price point.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/5/2022 - TampaMark Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow, this was recommended and it did not disappoint. Two non-chard drinkers thought it was delicious! I'm now a big fan of this Chard, will look for more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (5)
4/1/2022 - slabslovin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nice oaky Chardonnay.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/11/2022 - fraliavin Likes this wine: 89 Points
Beautiful golden color; tropical fruits, vanilla, and popcorn on the nose; peach, lemon and butter; medium-bodied, silky smooth, good finish with acidity and subtle oak.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/11/2022 - askoje wrote: 94 Points
*No decant*
Bright and lively nose with pear, lemon, lime, brioche, dried thyme and almonds. Needs some air to open up and show it's full potential.
Starts light and delicate on the palate, then amplifies and builds up with layers of flavours from the nose. Delicate, yet structured and with a powerful core. Finishes very long with hints of lemon biscuits and grapefruit. Outstanding overall balance 94/95. Would cellar and keep 2025 and well beyond
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/19/2021 - fred o. Likes this wine:
Golden color with olive tinge.
Nose some matchstick, some vanilla oak.
Palate some golden fruit and oak, some vanilla notes. A stony minerality. Nice depth and balance; still young. Good with lobster rolls and fried shellfish. 92 pts
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/12/2021 - Slaz Likes this wine: 93 Points
Core notes and components are consistent with prior vintages. Excellent energy and balanced weight. Certainly approachable but distinctly young in how clumsy it tastes, even with air. Hold for a year or two (will easily last 5+ though).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/26/2021 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 91 Points
Pure with a good balance of creaminess and minerality. Not much character.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/26/2021 - ralaspech wrote: 91 Points
Interesting fruit profile of green apple, pear and dried pineapple with some nutty and saline elements on the finish. Nice acidity with lovely texture. Quite interesting. Tasted at winery.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/1/2021 - peanutbutterskittles wrote: 92 Points
Medium acidity. Apple and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Strong lemon and mineral, with some of that classic chardonnay smoothness. Lingers in the mouth. Pretty good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/27/2020 - msuwine wrote: 94 Points
This fresh but viscous Chardonnay is drinking well right now, with a citrus core and a honeyed mouthfeel that are incredibly unique. Golden yellow in color and full in body, the wine offers aromas of gooseberry, cantaloupe, brioche, and baked almond slices. Flavors of lemon peel, grapefruit, green apple, and vanillin, with a creamy and briny finish. 14% alcohol.
I know these Chardonnays age well, but my goodness I enjoy the freshness in their youth. A real value at $60 direct (and probably less from elsewhere). 94+ at the moment, with upside in another year or so.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/20/2020 - wgmccallum Likes this wine: 93 Points
Creamy mineral nose with notes of beeswax and honeysuckle. Rich weighty fruit on the palate balanced by a lovely acid lightness and a winding bitter note at the back. Plump but taut, beautifully balanced.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
9/15/2020 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
With some fleshy new oak on it. And rich and nutty and rounded.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment