2018 Ridge Chardonnay Monte Bello
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Chardonnay Monte Bello is a wild, exotic wine. Lemon confit, crushed rocks, apricot, floral-infused honey and a touch of reduction all run through the 2018. This wonderfully complex, nuanced Chardonnay has a ton to offer. Time in the glass brings out lovely silkiness to balance things out.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pale gold with a hint of green. Smells of pure and bright lemon curd with a hint of melted butter. Rich melted butter and lemon curd mix with a touch of butterscotch and bergamot. Excellent acidity and silky texture. Rich but not heavy, this is classic Californian Chardonnay at its best, without a heavy wood influence despite barrel fermentation and sur-lie ageing for 15 months. (AY)
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.