Domaine Eden's vineyards are on Los Gatos clay loam soil, and the clones are Dijon 777, 667, and 828. The vineyards face north, and the fruitiness is prominent, making the wine easy to drink right from the moment it is released. The classic Mount Eden Vineyard grapes are blended into the wine, creating an exquisite balance without being too fruit-oriented. Fermentation and aging are done in the same way as Mount Eden. It has a smooth taste, richness, and a well-balanced elegance. The 2014 VTG was served at the royal wedding dinner of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of the UK, which caused a stir and led to a temporary shortage.
Domaine Eden is grown on Los Gatos clay loam soil and is planted with Dijon clones 777, 667 and 828. The vineyards face northeast and enjoy plenty of sunshine.
They practice low yields using environmental conservation techniques and dry farming.
The Mount Eden vineyard, just 2km away, is grown on Franciscan shale soils and is home to the Mount Eden, Carrera, Swan and Pommard clones.
By blending this clone for Mosaic, Domaine Eden is more fruit-forward and easy to drink upon release, while also incorporating elements of Mount Eden, providing a balance of Californian fruit and classic, elegant Pinot Noir.
Domaine Eden Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains 2014 was selected to represent the New World and served at the wedding dinner held in May 2018 by Henry, the Duke of Sussex (then Prince Henry), who left the British royal family, and former American actress Meghan Markle. This news caused a period when the wine was temporarily in short supply and difficult to obtain, but it is now stable.
Technical information
Harvest: Harvest began on September 1st, eight days earlier than the previous year, and ended on September 9th.
Winemaking and Aging: 20% whole bunch grapes are used, and the wine is fermented using the same methods as Mount Eden Vineyards, with both the first and second fermentations using native yeasts. The wine is aged for 11 months in Burgundy-style barrels that have been used for several years, and then bottled without clarification or filtration.
Using only wild yeasts and no fining or filtration is very risky, but when done well the results can be spectacular.
Vintage Information
In 2020, everything grew well, and harvesting began early in early September, with ripe grapes being harvested while still retaining their acidity.
Tasting Comments
The early harvest allows the delicacy and elegance that characterize Pinot Noir to be expressed in a natural and rich way. The aroma of cherry, plum, forest nuances, and spicy herbs is captivating. The taste is wide and has a concentrated flavor of blue and red berries. It can be enjoyed now, but will gain even more depth with 4 to 5 years of aging.
Vintage: 2020
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyards: Domaine Eden (own vineyard), Mount Eden (own vineyard), plus grapes from nearby contract growers
Notes: 91P Wine Spectator, November 30, 2023
Winemaker: Jeffrey Patterson
Winemaking: 20% whole bunch, fermented in stainless steel tanks
Aging: 11 months in French barrels (2-5 year old barrels), unfiltered and bottled without artificial fining
Soils: Domaine Eden: Los Gatos clay loam soil, Mount Eden: Franciscan shale soil
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.0%
JAN: 791066200717