Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2016


Synopsis, Our Opinion: A potent, rich and notable California Chardonnay.


Producer/Winery: Ridge Vineyards; Cupertino, California.

Grape Variety: Chardonnay.

Geographic Appellation,, Region, Country: Santa Cruz Mountains, North Coast, California.

Vintage: 2016

Price: $45.00 (with a Ridge Monte Bello club discount)

Purchased From: Ridge Monte Bello tastingroom; Cupertino, California.

Paired With: Turkey tenderloin with rosemary and Madeira sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted carrots.

Tasting:

    Chilled before drinking. Clear, very light wheat straw color with a slight greenish tint. Vanilla, citrus and crushed gravel aromas. Silky smooth and very rich creamy mouthfeel, 400-grit texture and solid medium body. Wet wood, fresh baked bread, lemon, pear and just a touch of mango flavor. Lots of crisp acidity and a long bitter mineral finish. WOW, fantastic Chardonnay. It starts slowly with the aroma, but at about mid-palate it really comes alive with flavors, acidity and tartness all the way through the lingering aftertaste. Superb paired with the very flavorful turkey and nothing short of outstanding sipping without food. More California than Burgundian, but it’s truly a noteworthy Chardonnay. The crisp acidity really gives it freshness and the rich mouthfeel gives it an elegance that is true to the Chardonnay grape. It’s a potent, rich and notable California Chardonnay.

Ridge Monte Bello Vineyard on the top of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Photo from TastedOnline.com.
Comments: Learn more about Ridge Vineyards and their wines.

See also: our reviews of other Ridge Vineyards wines.

Alcohol Content: 14.3%

Closure: 50mm Natural cork.

UPC Code: 7 44442 47900 9

Imported by: Not applicable.