2022 Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay
Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
Ridge Vineyards makes wines that compete in terms of quality and desirability with Bordeaux First Growths and Grand Cru White Burgundies. Winemaker Paul Draper has crafted 43 vintages at Ridge and his practical, hands-off, “pre-industrial” approach to winemaking has resulted in an exceptional and highly sought-after range of wines. Although a vineyard was first planted near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1885, it lay abandoned until four Stanford Research Institute engineers bought it in 1959. Ridge Vineyards was formed in 1962 and Paul Draper was appointed as winemaker in 1969. After stunning the world by their triumph in the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting, Ridge Vineyards shot to fame and gained cult status almost overnight. Since then, Ridge has concentrated on producing fine Bordeaux blends and Chardonnays from Monte Bello's exalted terroir as well as renowned Zinfandels from the Lytton Springs and Geyserville vineyards in Sonoma County.
What The Critics Say
96/100 JamesSuckling.com, Jim Gordon
“Wonderfully concentrated and full-bodied but somehow light on its feet. The limestone soil and Wente clone vines planted in 1982 help give it an almost dense but elegant feel, with minerals, lime zest, a touch of vanilla bean and chalk. Great balance and lively acidity lead to a long finish. Drink or hold.”
95/100 OwenBargreen.com, Owen Bargreen
“Owen Bargreen.com: 95 Points “The ‘Estate’ Chardonnay mainly comes from the Monte Bello Vineyard, as they did not make a Monte Bello Chardonnay this vintage. This was whole cluster pressed to tank and saw considerable pumpers and oxygen infusion, as well as regular less stirring. Coming from vines set on limestone soils, this was stored in a combination of American oak, French oak and Amphorae. This offers a silky texture with beautiful body. Creme brûlée and buttered French bread notes combine with baked apple and suggestions of salted walnut on the palate." Drink 2024 - 2034
94/100 Wine Enthusiast, Matt Kettmann
“This legendary winery deserves constant props for being a leader in listing ingredients on wine labels. The wine's great too, starting with tightly wound aromas of chiseled blocks of fine-grained wood plus Meyer lemon and flinty melon. The palate is stony and focused on a fine sandalwood spice, with lemon peel adding acidic balance.”
| Variety | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Region | California |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 14.30% |
| Maturity | 2024 - 2034 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
