When a winery makes wine from grapes grown in its own vineyards, it’s called ‘Estate wine’, as opposed to wines made using purchased grapes. Owned vineyards give a winery the ultimate freedom to plant what it wants, grow the way it feels best, and harvest (the most important moment in growing) when it chooses. In short, it gives the winery the most control over the final expression. These wines are normally made in smaller batches with special care, and Mountadam High Eden Estate Chardonnay is a shining example. It does bend our budget a bit, but this is a great wine.
Tasting Notes: Made from 100% Chardonnay grown on Mountadam’s High Eden estate, this Chardonnay is a clean, pure expression. Fresh and lively stone fruit notes harmonize with oak spices and mineral elements through a juicy, rich palate and an exceptionally long finish.
Enjoy With: Roasted white meats, fish and seafood dishes and sharp cheeses.
Style: A full-bodied, complex white wine.
Terroir/Region: Mountadam’s High Eden vineyards are some of the oldest in the region, established in 1972. The vineyard itself is planted on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Eden Valley which faces east to catch the rising sun. This estate vineyard sees a later harvest than the Eden Valley just next door – as long as one month later due to the cooler climate! That’s a lot of extra ‘hang time’, packing even more flavour into every grape.
Producer: David Wynn, one of the founding fathers of the modern Aussie wine industry, started Mountadam in 1972. Wynn had his hands full with his other winery, Wynn’s Coonawarra, so his son Adam took over winemaking duties. After a period of ownership by a global company, Mountadam passed to the ownership of David and Jenny Brown, who have recommitted to Wynn’s vision for the winery while adding a focus on sustainability.
Availability: Mountadam High Eden Estate Chardonnay 2016 is available in the Vintages section of your local LCBO and online on November 28, but some stores may already have it on shelf. Fans of good white Burgundy will find lots to love here, and at this price, it would make a great gift for any (or every) Chardonnay lover!
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $29.95
LCBO#: 333211
Size: 750mL
Alcohol Content: 14.0% alc./vol.
