Over the centuries, The United States has been a rapidly evolving spectacle in search of the next Golden Age, and in its enormous wake, only a select few heirlooms survived. In the realm of wine, one of these fervently preserved rarities is the Eden Rift Vineyard: Having been continuously planted under vine since 1849, the recent acquisition of this historic site became a significant enterprise in California wine. So, get out your flag and wave it high because today’s extremely limited two-pack is a vinous national treasure.
In 2016, owner Christian Pillsbury embarked on a mission to craft wines that emphasized this fabled terroir, a limestone-rich, maritime-influenced sanctuary that only seemed to be whispered about by seasoned vets. The goal was to let this ancient land speak for itself—nothing more, nothing less—and the results were striking: wines of absolute purity and coastal typicity emerged, which stylistically (and somewhat ironically) mirrored Calfornia’s “golden age” of the 1970s. The wines are, without question, extraordinary but hearing the rich history behind this legendary vineyard and the massive undertaking to capture its vivid soul provided us with a powerful shot of adrenaline. This is for the Burgundy lovers, appreciators of impeccably crafted Californian wine, and all those who want to experience a genuine slice of bottled history. The best part? We're extending this special two-pack offer to you at a world-best price!
Eden Rift’s vineyard was first planted by a Bordelais wine merchant in 1849 and has changed hands several times over the last 170 years, most recently in 2016. The two rising stars behind the newfound Eden Rift label are owner Christian Pillsbury and winemaker extraordinaire Cory Waller. While many would be overwhelmed by the considerable responsibility of carrying the torch for this legendary vineyard, they did it in stride—humbly, I might add. They genuinely respect their raw material and strive to serve as observant, non-intervening guardians.
Established in 1982, the Cienega Valley AVA is one of the heartlands of heirloom vines. What many don’t know, or have forgotten, is that the greater Central Coast was a major production center for wine in the mid-1900s before the success of Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Eden Rift’s vineyard, however, goes back much further. It serves as a beacon of preservation, having preceded the actual county it resides in (San Benito) by a full quarter-century!
We’ll let the Eden Rift team further explain just what makes this vineyard so special:
Under Vine Since 1849—Eden Rift is among the oldest, continually producing estate vineyards in California. A remote, pacific refuge located under the shadow of the Gavilan Mountain Range, the estate rests on the San Andreas Fault and is part of the Cienega Valley AVA. Only 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, this site benefits from an ideal, temperate maritime climate as well as the coveted calcareous soils requisite in the cultivation of vivid, energetic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The Chardonnay naturally fermented, including malolactic, in 18% new French barrels and aged for 10 months with a bimonthly lees-stirring regimen for the first six. It’s a gorgeous wine that masterfully balances richness and precision, a juggling act that the best of Côte de Beaune achieves. High-toned notes of yellow apple, quince, pineapple, nectarine, toasted nuts, honeysuckle, salted lemon, crushed stones, citrus blossoms, acacia, and a touch of vanilla. There’s no other way to put it: If you like white Burgundy, you’ll love this. Although it is undeniably layered with rich flavors of orchard and citrus fruit, it has an impressively strong core of minerality that lingers on the finish. It’s meant to savor in Burgundy stems around 55 degrees throughout an evening, and will certainly develop beautifully over the next decade.
Their sustainably farmed Pinot Noir vinified slowly and naturally with 30% whole clusters intact and aged for approximately one year in 20% new French barrels. A deep, brooding ruby moving out to a bright magenta rim is revealed in the glass—but this isn’t a pop-and-pour wine. I recommend a 60-minute decant before serving in large Burgundy stems in order to best experience Pinot Noir’s wealth of powerful aromatics from Eden Rift’s heirloom vineyard: ripe black cherry liqueur, wild strawberry, underbrush, kola nut, damp herbs, red licorice, pomegranate seed, rose stem, violets, and a touch of delicate spices. Its intricately layered and lush, all while maintaining a constant stream of revigorating acidity made possible by the constant sea breeze coming in from Monterey Bay. Enjoy through 2030.
Overall, these masterfully crafted wines are a shining monument to the ancient allure of Eden Rift’s hallowed estate vineyard, a site that’s lasted 170 years and is bound to last 170 more with quality like this. Be sure to open this two-pack in the company of a juicy roast chicken and your loved ones. Cheers!
