2010 Olivet Lane Chardonnay

Winemaker's Comments

We are excited to present our first single-vineyard Olivet Lane Chardonnay to you! What a privilege to be able to make wine from these 38-year-old vines. My friend Bob Pellegrini allowed me to select the exact rows for this production and then do a special thinning to heighten quality. The resulting rich wine is irresistible! Fully barrel fermented, it was barrel aged for 10 months in French oak, 38 percent new. Our barrel regime heightens flavor development through intensive biweekly lees stirring. In addition, this Russian River Valley fruit is renowned for retaining good pH and acidity even after a secondary malolactic fermentation is complete.

Picking up a glass of this wine, its lovely platinum hue portends the opulent character to be revealed. The deeply mouthwatering aroma is creamy with scents of nutmeg, vanilla and luscious crème brûlée. The palate opens with inviting flavors of papaya and ripe persimmon, balanced by a fresh accent of minerality on the extended, full finish.

Critical Acclaim

96 points

"This, Merry Edwards’s first Chardonnay from Olivet Lane Vineyard, is brilliant. There’s an alluring hint of buttery richness supported by imposing acidity. Ripe, but by no means overblown, this is a refined and stylish Chardonnay. The finish seemingly lasts forever, and each sip brings new thrills. Wow this is good! If she’s not careful she could be known more for her Chardonnays than her superb Pinot Noirs." Michael Apstein, Wine Review Online, December 2012

92 points

"This Chardonnay shows the ripe fruit and tangy acidity derived from this cool-climate vineyard. It bears tart apricot, orange and mineral flavors, balanced by oaky notes of vanilla and buttered toast." Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide, March 2013

See more critical acclaim

Recipes

Chicken Macadamia

Roasted Sunchoke Bisque

See more recipes

Trade

Label

Release Card

Upcoming Closure

2010 Olivet Lane Chardonnay

Merry Edwards Wines