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2016 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountain Estate Chardonnay

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RATINGS

95Jeb Dunnuck

...fabulous wine is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage... Loaded with stone fruit and white flower nuances as well as some reductive qualities, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, beautiful purity, and high yet integrated acidity.

94James Suckling

Impressive grapefruit and pithy lemon aromas here. Really fresh and complex. The palate has the same pithy yellow-citrus emphasis with attractive tension and depth.

93Vinous / IWC

...gorgeous. Rich, deep and pliant... Lemon confit, white flowers, chamomile, lightly honeyed notes and a touch of reduction all ring out in this super-expressive, inviting Chardonnay from Ridge.

92Wine Spectator

A full-bore style, with a rich, smoky aroma and flavors to match, along with pear and apple tart notes. The long finish is filled with plenty of oak accents that feature some buttery hints.

91+ The Wine Advocate

...notes of fresh pear, preserved lemon, nutmeg and subtle spice. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and expansive, with a broad, textural attack, good balancing acidity and a pure, mineral-inflected finish.

REGION

United States, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA includes high elevation territory in the counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Mateo. The AVA follows the coast line from San Francisco to Monterey with elevations from 400 feet to 3,000 feet above sea level. There are 1,500 vineyard acres and the AVA was established in 1981. Despite the challenging terrain in these rugged mountains and hills, highly esteemed wineries have been located here since the early 20th century, when Paul Masson, a Frenchman by birth, started making sparkling wine in the area. By the 1970s vineyards were growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Numerous microclimates within the AVA offer viticulturists diverse growing conditions, and many varietals are grown successfully.

TYPE

White Wine, Chardonnay

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.