92+ 1999 Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay 3/3/06 ($40)
14.5% alc
Color: Beautiful deep gold. (3.5) Bouquet: Very Minerally with restrained intensity. White grape juice, petrol, pollen and beeswax nuances, with a distinct, but integrated, oak component. (3.0) Body: Excellent acidity and fruit with mouthcoating viscosity. A light heavyweight that is bigger than the SCM bottling. (3.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but a little closed at present. (2.5) Finish: Parallels bouquet, but more intense. Very pollen, mineral, lees and oak infused. Should open even more with additional bottle age. (3.5)
Overall: This is restrained at present, but shows wonderful distinction and potential. Reminiscent of Corton Charlemagne. Give it 2-3 years and don’t serve too cold. (16.0)