WTN: 2008 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay

Ridge Vineyards 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay, "Monte Bello," Monte Bello Estate Vineyard. (Confusingly, there's also an "Estate Chardonnay" from the Monte Bello Estate Vineyard; this wine is from two selected blocks in the vineyard, I guess.) The only sign of bottle age here, really, is the less angular acidity and the only half-integrated wood, but otherwise this is still a baby, almost green, with puckery ripe pineapple fruit against a structured background of acid and minerals, overlaid but not overwhelmed with toasty wood. This has a long way to go, and I won't open another for at least 5 years; but even now, it's pretty phenomenal. I admit I have a soft spot for this style of Chardonnay, if it's as well-made and complex as this... and this was just the right match for a simple summer dinner of homemade egg tagliatelle with sweet corn, butter, Parm, and truffle salt.

Thanks Patchen for the note. This sounds like a Chardonnay for me. The tariff however may not be so nice. I would guess this Chard. is going for upper $30's or more. Will keep a look-out however.

Hi Jim, I think the "Estate" is upper 30's and the "Monte Bello" is closer to 60. Definitely a splurge...

[David M. Bueker]

Estate: $35-45
Monte Bello: $45-$55

Per WineSearcher and depending on source.

[Jenise]

Sounds fantastic. Cool 08 was not a great CA vintage by Wine Spectator standards, but it sure was a great for those of us who appreciate complex, ageable wines.