2017 Ridge Chardonnay Estate
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Tasting notes
This is the “second” wine of the Monte Bello Chardonnay. It aged 14 months in 10% new oak (both French and American oak were used). The 2017 Chardonnay Estate Monte Bello Vineyard has a minerally nose with crushed shell and saline plus toast, spring blossoms, white peaches, hay and nutty accents. Medium-bodied, it has a pure core of stone fruits with earthy nuances, a great line of minerality, juicy freshness and a long, nuanced finish.
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Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
This is always delicious and shows complexity and precision with sliced cooked apples, limes, lemons and hints of flan and butterscotch. Medium to full body. Tight and compact. Lovely wine to drink now or hold.
The 2017 Chardonnay Estate is soft, silky and exceptionally polished. White flowers, mint, orchard fruit, lemon confit and white pepper give the 2017 striking aromatic top notes that add nuance to the delicate, beautifully layered fruit. This understated Chardonnay is all class. The Estate represents 85% of Ridge's production in 2017, while the remaining 15% will be bottled as Monte Bello.
The 2017 Chardonnay Estate has a Burgundian reductive quality as well as first-rate notes of caramelized orchard fruits, crushed rock, and subtle toasty, nutty notes. Rich, medium to full-bodied, with bright acidity, it has beautiful mid-palate depth, and well as the class and structure to keep for 15+ years. This is beautifully done.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.