100 Points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Chardonnay Estate is a unicorn wine, with the acids naturally occurring with ease in this cool, long, extended growing season that the wine world is rightfully excited about, producing wines of tremendous elegance and balance, sourced entirely from Monte Bello Estate. The minerality is off the charts, exuberantly defining the wine after a barrel fermentation of nine months on the lees in 85% American and 15% French oak, 15% of it new. Gorgeously lengthy and bright, winemaker John Olney recommends that for primary fruit, it’s best to drink through the first 7-8 years; for fans of later-aging wines, wait 20 years. I adore this wine!
Winemaker Notes
This year stands out as one of the longest and coolest growing seasons in recent years. A drawn out harvest resulted in a wine that preserves varietal character while promoting the mineral and citrus accents typical of the vineyard. After barrel fermentation, the wine spent a further nine months on the lees. Enjoyable now, this mountain-grown chardonnay will evolve over the next eight years.
Food Pairings
https://www.ridgewine.com/food-pairings/?varietal=105&dish=0&occasion=0&search=
