Introduction:
The 2023 Ridge “Estate” Chardonnay is a seriously impressive release from the Monte Bello Vineyard, blending elegance and power in one mountain-grown white. It’s crafted to showcase Chardonnay’s nuanced side—minerality, texture, and depth—while still retaining expressive fruit and freshness.

Terroir:
Grown on Ridge’s Monte Bello Estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Chardonnay benefits from cool, prolonged growing conditions, with extended hang time that preserves varietal brightness. The vineyard’s fractured limestone soils and elevation contribute minerality and structural clarity. Grapes are whole-cluster pressed, fermented barrel-wise (natural yeasts), followed by full malolactic, and aged for fifteen months in oak (approximately 85% American, 15% French, with a small fraction new).

Appearance:
Light gold with subtle green highlights; translucent but with a sheen that suggests richness.

Nose:
Aromas of crisp apple (green apple), brioche, and soft vanilla, with deeper notes of baked pear, citrus peel, and a suggestion of toasted nuts or smoke as it opens up.

Palate:
Medium-full body, combining lush fruit with tight mineral tension. Flavors of pear, citrus (particularly lemon or preserved citrus peel), and stone fruit are layered with creamy oak influence. Acidity is bright, keeping the wine lifted, while the texture is slightly creamy thanks to lees aging and malolactic fermentation.

Finish:
Long, refined, and persistent. The fruit holds, the oak becomes more of a seasoning—vanilla bean or toasted oak rather than overpowering—and there's a chalky or saline minerality that rounds out the close.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Meat dish: Seared scallops with butter-lemon sauce or roasted chicken with thyme and roasted garlic

• Vegetarian option: Creamy mushroom risotto or roasted cauliflower gratin with herb crust

• Cheese pairing: Aged Gruyère or a nutty, slightly creamy Comté to balance the acidity and complement the oak tones

Overall Impression:
The 2023 Ridge Estate Chardonnay from Monte Bello is a standout—rich yet focused, showing orchard and stone fruit layered with brioche and vanilla, backed by saline minerality and impressive acidity. It balances power and elegance in a way that invites both immediate enjoyment and potential for aging. A Chardonnay that delivers standout character for its category and will reward those who cellar it for a few years.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.1%
Farming Practices: Organic vineyard management; minimal intervention; whole-cluster pressing; native yeast fermentations
Producer Name: Ridge Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Grape Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Wine Style: Dry white; medium-full bodied; rich oak and lees-influenced with pronounced minerality
Winemaking Techniques: Barrel fermentation; full malolactic; fifteen months aging in primarily older oak with a modest portion of new oak; lees stirring; whole cluster press
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Standard glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork

Check out the press!
100 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"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 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. Drink 2025-2045." (Apr 2025)

95 points, Owen Bargreen:
"The 2023 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is entirely sourced from the famed Monte Bello Vineyard. Challah bread and vanilla creme brûlée mark the nose alongside banana and hints of ripe mango. The palate is plush, ripe, and laden with minerality. Very seamless throughout the drinking experience, with a light dusting of salinity and fat mouthfeel, this combination of richness and freshness really makes it sing. Glorious now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033." (March 2025)

94 points, Decanter:
"Ridge has made this chardonnay from the Montebello estate since 1962, but it’s less than 5% of the planted acres. This comes from the lower slopes of the original Klein Ranch. A long, cool growing season pushed this chardonnay back a month in 2023 in terms of harvest dates. An extended hang time gives the wine a nice balance. While it’s opulent and ripe, with vanilla bean and poached pear from 80% American oak, its whole cluster is pressed and spends time sur lie with a weekly battonage. The palate is lushly fruited with creamy notes of lemon curd, baked apple, and a bright, nearly savory finish. Delicious." (April 2025)

Order the 2023 Ridge Estate Chardonnay Monte Bello Vineyard between now and Wednesday, August 20th, at 5 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Friday, August 22nd, after 5 PM.