For a weeknight dinner, Linda prepared a smoked turkey breast with mash potatoes, gravy, and mixed vegetables. For a wine pairing, I opened one
of Linda's favorites, Mayacamas Mt Veeder Chardonnay.
We pulled this from the cellar for tonight's pairing, the oldest vintage release for this label, as part of effective cellar management.
The mountain terroir at Mayacamas ranges from 1,800 to 2,400 feet in elevation and the estate spans 475 acres, only 50 of which are dedicated to vines.
The modern era Mayacamas dates back to 1968 when the property was taken over by Robert Travers who had worked at Heitz Cellars. He and his wife Elinor continued to focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay striving to make wines of great character, depth, complexity, and longevity.
In July 2013, Mayacamas was purchased by Charles and Ali Banks in partnership with Jay Schottenstein and his son, Joey. Andy Erickson took over the Estate’s winemaking duties, and Phil Coturri took over farming and vineyard development. This release was crafted by Winemakers Andy Erickson and Braiden Albrech.
The 2013 harvest was small but was of exceptional quality, character,
and intensity – a stand-out special release. That was bottled as a
special designated one time bottling for the 2013 vintage year.
Since then, many of the vines from the old historic vineyards have
been replanted with only a few plots remaining from the old historic vines.
In 2017, the Schottenstein family of Columbus, Ohio, took over the remainder of the 100% ownership of Mayacamas Vineyards to become sole proprietors of the estate and brand. As noted above, Jay Schottenstein and his son Joey had been partners in Mayacamas Vineyards since it was purchased from
long-time owner Bob Travers in 2013.
The burned structure, was a building they called “the residence.” that served as the hospitality center for the winery (though Mayacamas is generally not open to the public for tastings). That building was completely destroyed.
This 2017 vintage of Mayacamas Chardonnay was the current era
producer's team's fifth vintage release and they note it showcases both
the site and vintage beautifully, a combination of old vines and new.
Mayacamas Mt Veeder Napa Valley Mt Veeder Chardonnay 2017
The fruit for this 2017 release was sourced from Mt. Veeder Appellation vineyard sites,
and harvested primarily from 40-year old dry farmed vines located
between 1,800 and 2,000 feet in elevation above the fog
line. It also includes some young
vine Chardonnay from the newly replanted Hill Block. The producers were fortunate to have picked the grapes for this release well
before the October 2017 fires that ravaged the area. Those that waited till late in the harvest were denied a harvest that year.
The
blend was aged 22 months in oak and 6 months in steel.
This release was awarded 95 points
and *Editors' Choice* by Wine Enthusiast, 94 points
by James Suckling and Vinous, 93 points
by Decanter and 92 points
from Wine Spectator.
Golden straw colored, full-bodied, structured and tight with dense but bright vibrant apple and
pear fruits with notes of lemon citrus and peach and wet stone, with bright tangy acidity and creamy Oak on a lengthy finish.
RM 91 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3218950
RM 91 points.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3218950
