94 2005 Ridge Santa Cruz Mtns Estate Chardonnay 6/17/07 ($36)
14.6% alc
Color: Pretty deep gold. (3.5) Bouquet: Loads of butterscotch, toast and mineral-infused kiwi. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent mineral, acidity and concentrated fruit. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more restrained, still very tasty. (3.0) Finish: Parallels bouquet with sweet/tart kiwi, tangy pine and butterscotch lingering. (3.5)
Overall: Very similar to the fantastic 2004. This may have even richer fruit or it just may be showing its baby fat more since it’s younger. In any case, mark up another great success for this wine, which has gotten better and better since the (only) very good 2001. I love the ’02, ’03, ’04 and this one. I look forward to following all of these to maturity in the next 5-10 years. (16.5)