Winery notes: "Ridge produced its first chardonnay in 1962 from fully mature vines planted in the late 1940s on the Monte Bello estate vineyard. In the '60s, we replanted a number of the abandoned 19th century vineyards to cabernet sauvignon, but did not extend the chardonnay planting. Production never exceeded ten barrels, and the Monte Bello chardonnay was sold principally at the winery. Several great vintages, among them the 1973, '74, '79, and '84, showed that our cool climate and fractured limestone sub-soils were well suited to the varietal. By 1985, the old vines were producing less than a half-ton per acre; the younger ones, planted in the 70s, were providing the majority of grapes. These newer plantings were on the "lower" vineyard, which was not yet farmed as part of the Monte Bello estate, so the wine was designated "Santa Cruz Mountains". The vines are now included in the estate, and produce a Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Chardonnay annually.

Pale, translucent golden hue. Fresh-sliced pear, green apple; orange blossom, apricot, wet stone/mineral. Lively acid balances rich tropical fruit in a long finish. EB (3/10)"