Introduction:
The 2022 Mount Eden Vineyards “Wolff Vineyard” Chardonnay from Edna Valley is a precise, terroir-focused California chardonnay that bridges Old World restraint with New World clarity. Crafted with Mount Eden’s hallmark minimal-intervention philosophy, this wine emphasizes minerality, structure, and natural acidity over overt richness, offering a refined and age-worthy expression of cool-climate chardonnay.

Terrior:
Wolff Vineyard lies in the Edna Valley AVA near San Luis Obispo, one of California’s coolest chardonnay-growing regions due to strong Pacific influence. Persistent coastal fog, cool afternoons, and pronounced diurnal shifts slow ripening and preserve acidity. The vineyard’s clay loam and marine sedimentary soils contribute tension, mineral expression, and textural depth. These conditions favor elegance and longevity rather than opulence, aligning seamlessly with Mount Eden’s Burgundian-inspired approach.

Appearance:
Bright pale gold with subtle green highlights and excellent clarity. Moderate viscosity reflects concentration balanced by freshness rather than weight.

Nose:
Refined and layered, with aromas of lemon curd, green apple, pear, and white peach. Secondary notes of crushed stone, wet chalk, hazelnut, and faint baking spice emerge with air, underscored by restrained oak and subtle lees influence.

Palate:
Medium-bodied with a taut, energetic structure. Citrus and orchard fruit flavors are framed by vibrant acidity and a pronounced mineral spine. Gentle creaminess from lees contact adds texture without obscuring clarity, while oak remains discreet, contributing subtle toast and breadth rather than sweetness.

Finish:
Long, focused, and saline-driven, with lingering citrus zest, stone fruit skin, and chalky minerality. The finish is dry, precise, and persistent, signaling excellent aging potential.

Press:

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2022 Chardonnay Edna Valley from Wolff Vineyard enjoys sizable influence from the Pacific Ocean and a long growing season. Barrel-fermented and undergoing full malolactic fermentation, it was aged in mostly neutral barrels and allowed to sit on the lees for 10 months. Mount Eden has made this wine since 1985, offering a textured expression of citrus and baked bread that is deliciously affordable and different from its main core."
 
91 points, Vinous:
"The 2022 Chardonnay Wolff Vineyard comes from old vines in this Edna Valley site. Steely and vibrant, it opens with a vivid, rounded profile of sweet pear, peach, white flowers, salted lemon, and mineral tension. Pliant and generous, the texture has a lovely suppleness, and a sweet note on the finish reminds me of Halloween candy corn. This will surely be a crowd-pleaser, representing a solid value play with excellent winemaking."
 
91 points, Wine Spectator:
"This white is bursting with citrus, with notes of tangerine, lemon, and lime zest, plus floral details of orange blossoms and honeysuckle. A firm hint of toasted brioche and a thread of crushed rock minerality leave an impression."

Overall Impression:
Synthesizing its cool Edna Valley terroir, luminous appearance, citrus-and-mineral-driven aromatics, tightly wound and textured palate, and long, saline finish, the 2022 Mount Eden Vineyards “Wolff Vineyard” Chardonnay is a serious, restrained, and age-worthy white. Best paired with refined, savory dishes, it rewards patience and thoughtful dining with depth, balance, and precision.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainably farmed vineyard; low-intervention viticulture
Producer Name: Mount Eden Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Edna Valley AVA, San Luis Obispo County, California
Grape Varietals: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Still white; medium-bodied; mineral-driven; age-worthy
Winemaking Techniques: Native yeast fermentation; whole-cluster pressing; fermentation and aging in French oak (largely neutral); extended lees contact; minimal intervention
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Burgundy bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Sources:

• Mount Eden Vineyards producer and technical notes
• Edna Valley AVA and San Luis Obispo County viticultural references