Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Chardonnay

Lots of oak and minerals. Not my usual favorite but it’s a well made Chardonnay.

Way too rich and oaky for me. But has good structure and balance.

Opulent ripe fruit, baked apple and pineapple, nice balance of lees and oak.

On the nose, big Meyer, lime, green apple, buttered popcorn, pineapple, limestone mineral and yellow lilies. Body is creamy, Meyer lemon, green apple, lime zest, underripe pineapples, underripe green melon with rhine, buttered popcorn, oily, dry cut grass, soft limestone minerals, yellow florals and the alcohol feels a little hot with decent acidity. Grown on limestone terraces on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mtns. Barrel fermented with 8% new oak. Not filtered. UC Davis clone 4. 35+ year old vines. They do stir by barrel. 14.% alcohol. It's pretty good but I have to be honest, there aren't many CA Chardonnays I enjoy. I really prefer cooler climate Chardonnays done in tank only or with neutral wood influence. If you have good fruit why oak it or crush it in oak?

Dependable!

Very oxidative, held a little too long. Much better with food.

Citrus and ginger on nose. Tastes of lemon zest with good balance.

Burgundian in style. Citrus and flint nose. Medium in body. Almond, vanilla, and wet stone. Firm acidity with a pineapple finish. Great with king crab legs in a lemon chili butter. #ridgewines #rokaakor

Ridge always knocks it out of the park

2015 vintage. Great nose of subtle peach. Mineral and slight acidity in the taste. A very unique Chardonnay. Smooth refreshing finish!