2023 Ridge Estate Chardonnay

A Bright Expression of Pure Californian Chardonnay

The 2023 Ridge Estate Chardonnay reflects the cool, drawn-out growing season of its mountain home, delivering a wine of clarity and precision. This latest release shines with Ridge’s hallmark balance of minerality and ripe orchard fruit, offering a style that is both luxurious and refreshingly restrained.

Crafted from 100% organically grown Chardonnay, this wine benefits from the estate’s limestone-rich soils and gentle coastal influence. Aged for fifteen months in carefully balanced American and French oak, it presents layers of citrus, apple, and brioche. With glowing critic acclaim, the 2023 vintage stands as one of the finest expressions yet. Elegant now, yet structured for graceful evolution.

Winemaking:

Hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, the Chardonnay underwent spontaneous fermentation and full malolactic conversion using natural yeasts. It was then matured for fifteen months in 85% American and 15% French oak, with just 15% new barrels. This minimal-intervention approach highlights the purity of the Monte Bello fruit and its striking mountain minerality.

Pairing Suggestions:

Perfect with lobster mac and cheese, baked crab fondue, or a vegetarian truffle risotto with Parmesan and leeks.

Tasting Note:

Fresh apple, pear, and citrus aromas lead to a focused palate of brioche and bright acidity, finishing long and clean with a mineral lift.

Origin:

Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA

Alcohol:

14.1%

Blend:

Chardonnay