Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Chardonnay

9.060 ratings
9.117 pro ratings
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Severn Goodwin

It was a warm afternoon, finally, today. We're grilling oysters and pairing wines!

Prior notes apply, but now with Flint!

It was a warm afternoon, finally, today. We're grilling oysters and pairing wines!

Prior notes apply, but now with Flint!

Apr 6th, 2019
Severn Goodwin

Adding chill now, notes forthcoming...
I'm not a CA Chardonnay guy, but this one has been very Burgundian in style previously.

Nose you had me at flinty mineral and grape seed.

Palate is a little too creamy oak, needs air.

Aired out palate has warm pear/pineapple and a mineral component I cannot quite pin yet, oak is still in the way.

48hr Update: Flinty/Oak bat to the palate, check ☑, has not mellowed at all tonight.

Adding chill now, notes forthcoming...
I'm not a CA Chardonnay guy, but this one has been very Burgundian in style previously.

Nose you had me at flinty mineral and grape seed.

Palate is a little too creamy oak, needs air.

Aired out palate has warm pear/pineapple and a mineral component I cannot quite pin yet, oak is still in the way.

48hr Update: Flinty/Oak bat to the palate, check ☑, has not mellowed at all tonight.

Jun 3rd, 2018
Sipping Fine Wine

History begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor in San Fran’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, planting vineyards and built a winery, 1892 was the first vintage. Straw with ripe fruit nose, fresh and clean. Flavors of apple, apricot and melon with citrus notes and smoky oak. Lingering finish ending with a bit more oak than fruit at start of bottle but calmed down with the last glass.

History begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor in San Fran’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, planting vineyards and built a winery, 1892 was the first vintage. Straw with ripe fruit nose, fresh and clean. Flavors of apple, apricot and melon with citrus notes and smoky oak. Lingering finish ending with a bit more oak than fruit at start of bottle but calmed down with the last glass.

Feb 6th, 2018
Severn Goodwin

Ridge Vineyards Dinner; 15 December 2017 at Wheatleigh, Lenox, MA

Ridge Vineyards Dinner; 15 December 2017 at Wheatleigh, Lenox, MA

Dec 15th, 2017
Sean Calder

Blogger Vinifico! The Original Vancouver Wine Blog

9.4

Gorgeous and delicious. Tropical fruit (distinct pineapple) complements ripe mandarin, hazelnut and ginger. The finish lasts minutes. Highly recommended.

Gorgeous and delicious. Tropical fruit (distinct pineapple) complements ripe mandarin, hazelnut and ginger. The finish lasts minutes. Highly recommended.

Oct 30th, 2017
Elizabeth Rice

Ridge is just always a good choice. So excited to see their Chardonnay is a half bottle too! First thought when tasting was pork rinds which oddly worked against the rich fruits and cream.

Ridge is just always a good choice. So excited to see their Chardonnay is a half bottle too! First thought when tasting was pork rinds which oddly worked against the rich fruits and cream.

Apr 19th, 2017
Heather Lane

It had a meursault like nose with notes of petrol and then a delicate citrusy palate...

It had a meursault like nose with notes of petrol and then a delicate citrusy palate...

Aug 20th, 2016
Meghan Hamilton

Wine Educator Joseph Phelps Vineyards

8.8

Crazy interesting, but not ready to drink yet. Fresh popped popcorn, green apple, wet stone, flint. Super soft acidity and toasty finish.

Crazy interesting, but not ready to drink yet. Fresh popped popcorn, green apple, wet stone, flint. Super soft acidity and toasty finish.

Jul 25th, 2016
Matt Krueger

Big and boisterous but will settle down soon

Big and boisterous but will settle down soon

Jul 15th, 2016
Lee Lightfoot

Almond and lemon curd. Flashy and rich.

Almond and lemon curd. Flashy and rich.

Jun 4th, 2016