TN: 2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate - what a transformation!

WINE TALK
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  • 2014 Ridge Chardonnay Estate - USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains (1/8/2023)
    Pop and pour - I'm sure it will continue to change in the glass/bottle but I was so shocked by this wine's transformation I wanted to come write my note right away. The nose is packed with flint, dead ringer for a reductive white Burgundy - lots of white pepper and Chinese spice as well, loads of salinity, touch of tropical fruit - really alluring nose, whereas the last time I had this, some years ago, it was just oak and hot on the nose. Palate is rich, I'm getting some toasty oak on there, apples, nice texture and weight, waxy, good finish. A testament to waiting until a wine is 'right' to open.
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Great to hear. I bought 2 2011’s from the tasting room in Monte Bello and the first one was very oxidized unfortunately. Still haven’t mustered up the courage to open my 2nd…

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I gave up buying Ridge Chardonnay after trying it young…now I wish I hadn’t. I only have a few more bottles left. At least it’s easy to get

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@ToddFrench curious which vintages you’ve had w/ some age on them that you enjoyed. I’d love to try again before giving up!

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This is the first! I’ve tried them young and did not like them, put them in the offsite for a few years. Really enjoying the '14 now, may have to backfill a bit

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Often I’ve found this cuvee to have a little too much oak and ripeness for my tastes. Don’t love tropical fruit in my Chardonnay. Interesting to see these comments as it ages.

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The few experiences I’ve had with Ridge Chardonnays have all been excellent. I don’t think I’ve ever had one as young as five years. Santa Cruz Mountain Chardonnays in general really need time. I am such a fan of Mount Eden Chardonnays that I neglect too many others, including Ridge. Among my other very top picks would be Rhys, Thomas Fogarty and Alfaro, but in general you can’t go wrong at 6 - 12 years and many will improve for much longer. No, they don’t taste like White Burgundy, but how wonderful is it to have Chardonnays that consistently and reliably improve with age like White Burgundy used to.

Dan Kravitz

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