1998 Estate Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Chardonnay Estate exhibits an attractive nose of buttered nuts, earth, and ripe fruit. But in the mouth, it is disjointed, awkward, and lacking complexity as well as depth. It is a robust, solid effort, but it falls short of the quality over recent vintages. Blame the difficult 1998 vintage. This may be the most disappointing effort from this producer in more than a decade. While it is good, Mt. Eden usually produces one of California's most profound Chardonnays. Drink it over the next year. Tel. (408) 867-5832
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pale yellow-gold. Reticent aromas of orange skin, marzipan, toasted hazelnut and nutmeg; I was reminded of both Meursault and Corton-Charlemagne. Intensely flavored and sappy, with citrus, nut skin and mineral elements. Dense and strong in extract; this really expanded with aeration. Lovely restrained sweetness supported by strong backbone. Very unforced California chardonnay with strong soil character. In need of patience, and built to age.