Ridge Santa Cruz Chardonnay 2007

In this cool, mountainous region, each season presents its own grape-growing challenges. Our goal, as farmer and vintner, is to fine-tune the vineyard so the grapes will ripen before the first storms. We anticipated an early harvest this year; that changed abruptly when cold weather stalled the vines. We picked in late September. After wholecluster pressing, the juice was racked to barrel for natural primary fermentation. Lees were stirred weekly through April, maintaining freshness and adding texture. We blind-tasted the lots, choosing the most elegant and approachable for this fine chardonnay. Once assembled, it settled for five months and was bottled without filtration. The wine shows complex fruit, firm acidity, and mineral elements. It will be at its best over the next five to seven years.

"Combines richness with an elegant, delicate mouthfeel, showing deep layers of ripe fig, honeydew melon, ripe green pear and smoky oak. Balanced, focused, pure and lingering. Drink now through 2013." 93 Points
Wine Spectator