|
Ridge produced its first chardonnay in 1962 from fully mature vines planted in the late 1940s on the Monte Bello estate vineyard. Production never exceeded ten barrels, and Monte Bello chardonnay was sold principally at the winery. Several great vintages, among them the 1973, 74, '79, and '84, showed that our cool climate and fractured limestone sub-soils were well suited to the varietal. By 1985, the old vines were producing less than a half-ton per acre and were taken out. The younger vines, planted in the '70s, provide the majority of grapes today. Initially these newer plantings were on the "lower" vineyard—not yet farmed as part of the Monte Bello estate—so the wine was called "Santa Cruz Mountains" and these vines have long since been included. Since 2009 the wine has been designated Ridge Estate Chardonnay
"This year stands out as one of the longest and coolest growing seasons in recent years. A drawn-out harvest resulted in a wine that preserves varietal character while promoting the mineral and citrus accents typical of the vineyard. After barrel fermentation, the wine spent a further nine months on the lees. Enjoyable now, this mountain-grown chardonnay will evolve over the next eight years. Apple fruit, brioche, and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, focused notes of citrus, pear, bright acidity, and a clean finish." Winemakers Notes
2023 Ridge Estate Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains
"The 2023 Chardonnay Estate is a unicorn wine, with the acids naturally occurring with ease in this cool, long, extended growing season that the wine world is rightfully excited about, producing wines of tremendous elegance and balance, sourced entirely from Monte Bello Estate. The minerality is off the charts, exuberantly defining the wine after a barrel fermentation of nine months on the lees in 85% American and 15% French oak, 15% of it new. Gorgeously lengthy and bright, winemaker John Olney recommends that for primary fruit, it's best to drink through the first 7-8 years; for fans of later-aging wines, wait 20 years. I adore this wine."
100 Points Virginie Boone JebDunnuck.com
| Sale $83.99 |
 |
|
