Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2021

Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2021 offers an impressive introduction to the style and pedigree of Monte Bello Chardonnay. Sourced from younger vines in the same celebrated Monte Bello Vineyard and made with the same meticulous attention to detail, it delivers remarkable complexity at a more accessible price. Ridge’s roots reach back to 1885, while its reputation was firmly established when Monte Bello helped make history at the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.

Tasting Notes
Bright straw-yellow in appearance, this Chardonnay opens with inviting aromas of citrus, pineapple, melon and honeysuckle, complemented by a subtle note of vanilla from oak maturation. The palate is full-bodied yet lively, combining ripe citrus, apple and pear with a mineral touch reminiscent of crushed stone. Vanilla returns on the finish, which is fresh, balanced and persistent rather than overly rich. The wine is approachable now, but its structure, freshness and careful élevage should allow it to develop additional nuance over the medium term. With bottle age, the fruit may take on greater depth while the mineral and oak elements become more integrated.

Production
The grapes come from the Monte Bello Vineyard in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains, where the mountain setting contributes freshness and structure. The fruit is hand-harvested and pressed as whole clusters, with no destemming, following winemaker Eric Baugher’s preferred method. After fermentation, the wine spends 14 months maturing in American oak barrels, 10% of which are new, adding gentle vanilla and spice without obscuring the vineyard character.

Food & Serving
Serve at around 10–12°C. This generously textured Chardonnay is a natural match for roast chicken, grilled or roasted pork, creamy pasta, lobster, crab and richer fish dishes. It also pairs beautifully with dishes featuring mushrooms, roasted vegetables or lightly toasted nuts. Decanting is not essential, although 20–30 minutes in a carafe can help open the wine when served young.

Producer
Founded in 1885 by Dr Osea Perrone on Monte Bello Ridge, Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most historically significant wineries. Its modern identity was shaped by Paul Draper, whose work elevated Ridge’s Zinfandel and established Monte Bello as an American icon after its strong showing at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Today, winemaker Eric Baugher continues that tradition, with the estate maintaining its exacting standards and farming its vineyards according to organic methods.

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