95+ 2013 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mtns) 3/24/17 ($60)
14.5% alc
Color: Bright gold. (3.0) Bouquet: Concentrated poached pear, kiwi and toast with subtle vanilla and butterscotch. (3.5) Body: Heavyweight with outstanding fruit, acidity and minerality. Rich and beautifully mouthcoating. (4.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more intense. (3.5) Finish: Long and explosive, yet balanced. Slight bitterness from cedary oak underneath, but will integrate with time. (3.5)
Overall: Best Monte Bello Chardonnay since the great 2006, maybe even bigger and more concentrated. Already a great wine with its concentrated poached pear, kiwi, toast, vanilla and butterscotch with cedar underneath. Even though young and fierce, it is so well balanced that it can be enjoyed now, but should get even better with 5-8 years bottle age. (17.5)
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