Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2023

Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2023 comes from the same high-elevation Monte Bello estate that has made Ridge famous for its iconic Cabernet Sauvignon. Combining California’s ripe fruit with remarkable freshness, mineral character and Burgundian precision, it is a compelling expression of Chardonnay from the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Tasting Notes
Bright and expressive in the glass, this Chardonnay opens with aromas of citrus, yellow apple and ripe stone fruit, followed by floral notes, subtle vanilla and toasted nuts. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, yet beautifully precise, with vibrant acidity, chalky minerality and a long, elegant finish. Already highly appealing, the wine has the structure and balance to develop further complexity over the next eight years. With time, its fruit, oak and mineral notes should integrate into an increasingly nuanced and layered expression.

Production
The grapes come exclusively from Ridge’s own vineyards on the Monte Bello estate, situated at 425–610 metres above sea level. The cool climate and stony, limestone-rich soils promote slow, even ripening and contribute distinctive mineral tension. Following gentle whole-cluster pressing, the must was fermented in barrels using naturally occurring yeasts. The wine underwent complete malolactic fermentation and was aged for 15 months in 85% American and 15% French oak, with only 15% of the barrels being new to preserve the vineyard’s character. The grapes were harvested from 20 to 31 October after an exceptionally cool, long growing season.

Food & Serving
Serve lightly chilled at around 10–12°C. Its richness and lively acidity make it an excellent match for roast chicken, lobster, grilled or roasted seafood, scallops, creamy pasta, poultry with mushrooms and mature soft cheeses. Decanting is not essential, but a brief 15–20 minutes in a carafe can help the wine open up, particularly when enjoyed young.

Producer
Founded in 1959, Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most respected producers and is best known for Monte Bello, one of the region’s most historic and celebrated Cabernet-based wines. The winery’s high-altitude vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains also produce distinctive Chardonnays, valued for their combination of ripe fruit, natural freshness and pronounced site character. This Estate Chardonnay reflects Ridge’s long-standing commitment to expressing the individuality of its mountain terroirs.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.