Today I decided to feature a "new" winery that does not get enough love or attention.  It actually is not new at all, but rather very old.  Eden Rift is the oldest continually producing vineyard in California.  First planted in 1849, it is part of the Cienega Valley AVA.  This might not be a very well-known area, but their neighbors who are 2 miles away are much more famous, Calera.  

After prohibition, the vineyard went into a bit of disarray, until 2016 when Christian Pillsbury acquired the estate and put together an excellent wine making team to once again produce some of the region's best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  The results speak for themselves.

Since the newly formed team started making the wines in 2016, nearly all of their wines have been receiving 90+ ratings from multiple wine critics.  While they produce small amounts of Pinot Gris and Petite Sirah among others, the bulk of their wines are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  They produce a number of different Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but my focus will be on the Estate wines.

The 2018 Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir both received 95 points from James Suckling among multiple other 90+ ratings from many other critics.  They have a style unique to themselves, however, they tend to lean slightly more balanced and Burgundian in style.  There is a big focus to have a wonderful balance of fruit and acidity.  Wines that not only pair wonderfully with food, but also can be enjoyed by themselves.

These wines definitely should not be running under the radar anymore.  With the amazing quality of these wines, they should be in your wine fridge at home!  They are still fairly low production, which means you should jump at the opportunity to get them now because quantities are going to be very limited!

Eden Rift Estate Pinot Noir 2018

Eden Rift Estate Chardonnay 2018

-Patrick Mulrooney