2013 Ridge Chardonnay Monte Bello

The 2013 Chardonnay Monte Bello is still very youthful, wafting from the glass with aromas of green pear, white currants, pastry cream and blanched almonds that has already digested most of its new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep and very concentrated, with almost chewy levels of extract and considerable power, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a grippy, chalky finish. One senses the concentration of the 2013 more after a few years of bottle age than one did a few years ago, and it's incredibly clear that this will be a long haul vintage of Monte Bello Chardonnay.

The 2013 Chardonnay Monte Bello is exceptional. Rich, layered and creamy, the 2013 exudes depth. Readers will have to wait at least a few years before the 2013 hits its stride, but all the elements are in the right place. Yellow orchard fruit, mint, sweet spices and flowers are all fused together in an exceptional, racy Chardonnay loaded with class and personality. Today, the 2013 is a total knock-out. The 2,000 case production for the Monte Bello Chardonnay is a record high for Ridge.