2010 Ridge Chardonnay Monte Bello

The 2010 Chardonnay Monte Bello (100% Chardonnay that achieved 14.4% alcohol) exhibits a more vibrant nose of citrus blossoms, crushed rocks, oak and waxy, buttery fruit (white currants and white peaches). Crisp acidity gives the wine an attractive, well-delineated style, and it should age easily given its zesty acid profile. This solidly made Chardonnay should drink well for 6-8 years. Tel. (408) 867-3233

Crushed rocks, flint, jasmine and white stone fruits form the backbone of the 2010 Chardonnay Monte Bello. Still very tight and backward, the 2010 is going to require a measure of patience, but it is striking, even today. A bright, crystalline finish rounds things out in style. The 2010 is shaping up to be another classic from Ridge, but it will also require a measure of patience.

The 2010 Chardonnay Estate is a beautiful, precise wine laced with citrus zest, crushed rocks and a hint of spice from the American oak. In 2010, the Chardonnay stands out for its energy and tension. It needs another year or two to settle down, but it is already striking in its beauty. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Indiana Jones and I have one thing in common – a fear of snakes. That is why every time I see the sign in the Ridge parking lot that reads “Beware of rattlesnakes,” I get a little uneasy. So it’s quickly into the tasting room for me. Winemaker Eric Baugher and his team have prepared a great tasting covering all of the Ridge classics, plus a few smaller-production bottlings I am tasting for the first time. This is a sublime set of new releases from one of this country’s greatest heritage wineries. It’s hard to know where to start, but the highlights are the 2009 Monte Bello, followed by the 2010, which will be released this year, plus some of the Zinfandels and Zinfandel-based wines. The 2010 harvest was not an easy one. The summer was very cold, as it was throughout California. Ridge was severely affected by August heat spikes that were crippling for Zinfandel. The wines that were bottled are the result of a severe selection of the best fruit that survived the heat. Tel. (408) 867-3233