2007 Ridge Chardonnay Monte Bello
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Tasting notes
The 2007 Chardonnay Monte Bello (100% Chardonnay, 14.4% alcohol) has a floral nose of white flowers, honeyed citrus, subdued, almost indistinguishable oak, but complex aromatics. Medium to full-bodied and bottled unfiltered, this is one of the more impressive Ridge Chardonnays I have tasted. The oak has been pushed to the background, and the floral, honeyed citrus fruit notes dominate. The wine is beautifully textured and capable of lasting up to a decade or more. Tel. (408) 867-3233; Fax (408) 868-1350
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Light, bright gold. Pungent aromas of melon, tangerine, lemon pith and vanilla, with mounting spiciness and a touch of anise. Spicy and tight on entry, quickly gaining flesh with air and offering sweeter pineapple and honeydew flavors that are given depth by a creamy vanilla quality. Here's a rare example of chardonnay and American oak (82% used for this wine) getting along. Finishes smooth and sweet, with echoes of spices and candied orange.
Greenish pale gold. Very firm and tight and herbal oil, quite fat with a line of chewiness still. Not as intense and big as the 2006. Not sweet, strongly mineral with, at the moment, lots of chew. I would sit on this for a year or two. (JR)
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.