Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay (75cl, 14%)

An estate Chardonnay from the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA of California, produced by Mount Eden Vineyards. The vines trace to a Burgundian selection originally planted in the historic Paul Masson vineyard. The estate vines sit at roughly 2,000 feet elevation and produce low yields averaging one to two tons per acre. The fruit is barrel-fermented in new and one-year-old French Burgundy barrels, undergoes full malolactic fermentation, and is cellared for two full years before release. It is 100% Chardonnay at 14% ABV in a 750 ml bottle. The nose opens with trampled lemon and orchard-floor earthiness, then honeysuckle and gardenia, with roasted nuts and warm baking spices. The palate is full-bodied, with Fuji apple and lemon zest, a buttery mid-palate of pear pastry and crème anglaise, firm grip, shiso-like minty quality and melon tones. The finish is long, with hazelnut, anise and mineral flavours.