90+ 2012 Ridge Estate Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mtns) 8/3/14 ($44)
14.5% alc
Color: Bright, medium silver-gold. (3.0) Bouquet: Elegant honeysuckle, kiwi and poached pear fruit infused with hazelnut toast. (3.0) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent fruit and acidity. Tangy and coats the mouth somewhat. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with slight bitterness from oak, but intense. (3.5) Finish: Has length, but shows more bitterness here. (3.0)
Overall: A serious Santa Cruz Mtns Chardonnay that is young and needs time for the oak to integrate into the fruit more. Still makes excellent and quite enjoyable now. Similar in style to the 2009 version of this wine. (15.5)
Copyright © 2006 - 2014, Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com