Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello Chardonnay 2023
Product Information
Country USA
Region California
Grape Variety Chardonnay
Vintage 2023
ABV 14.1%
WINES WILL BE SHIPPED TO THE UK IN AUTUMN 2026
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Chardonnay 2023
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Chardonnay 2023 is one of the most celebrated California Chardonnays of the vintage, sourced entirely from the legendary Monte Bello estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Produced by the iconic winery Ridge Vineyards, this limited-production Chardonnay combines mountain minerality, vibrant acidity, and refined oak influence.
Awarded a perfect 100-point score from Jeb Dunnuck’s critic Virginie Boone, the 2023 vintage is widely considered a benchmark expression of Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay. With layered citrus, orchard fruit, and complex brioche notes, it offers immediate appeal while possessing the structure to age gracefully for years.
Why Buy Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay 2023?
• 100-Point Chardonnay from a historic California estate
• Produced from the renowned Monte Bello vineyard
• Organically grown grapes
• Fermented and aged in American and French oak
• Exceptional balance of richness and freshness
• Cellaring potential of 10+ years
This is a Chardonnay for collectors and enthusiasts seeking one of the top-rated California white wines of the vintage.
Wine Overview
Producer: Ridge Vineyards
Wine: Monte Bello Estate Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Region: Santa Cruz Mountains
Country: United States
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.1%
Farming: Organically grown
Ageing: 9 months on lees in 85% American oak and 15% French oak
Drink Window: 2025–2033+
The grapes come from the cooler slopes of the historic Monte Bello estate, where limestone soils and extended hang time deliver exceptional balance between fruit concentration and mineral precision.
Tasting Notes – Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay 2023
Aroma: Expressive aromas of apple, brioche, vanilla, and white flowers, with hints of lemon curd and subtle tropical fruit.
Palate: The palate reveals citrus, pear, and baked apple, layered with creamy texture and vibrant acidity. Notes of caramelized pear, marzipan, and lemon blossom develop toward a mineral-driven finish.
Finish: Long, fresh, and energetic, with subtle oak spice and saline minerality that reflects the mountain terroir.
The wine’s balance of richness and acidity makes it both luxurious and precise, a hallmark of the Monte Bello vineyard style.
Food Pairings
The richness and acidity of Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay make it an excellent companion to elegant seafood and creamy dishes.
Ideal pairings include:
• Lobster with butter sauce
• Roasted chicken with herbs
• Seared scallops
• Crab or shrimp dishes
• Creamy mushroom risotto
• Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert
The wine’s bright citrus notes cut through richness while its subtle oak complements savoury flavours.
About the Monte Bello Vineyard
High in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Monte Bello vineyard is one of California’s most historic and distinctive sites. The combination of cool maritime influence, limestone soils, and mountain elevation creates wines with remarkable structure and longevity.
Only a small portion of the estate is planted to Chardonnay, less than 5%, making this bottling particularly sought-after among collectors.
Cellaring Potential
While the Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay 2023 is delicious today, it is structured for extended ageing.
Drink window:
2025 – 2033+
With time in the cellar, the wine will evolve toward deeper notes of honey, toasted nuts, and baked citrus, while retaining the hallmark acidity of the Monte Bello vineyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay 2023 worth buying?
A. Yes. With a 100-point critic score and exceptional vineyard pedigree, it is widely considered one of the top California Chardonnays of the vintage.
Q. What makes Monte Bello Chardonnay unique?
A. The wine comes from a high-elevation vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains with limestone soils, producing Chardonnays with intense minerality, freshness, and ageing potential.
Q. Is this a buttery Chardonnay?
A. Not overly. While there are notes of brioche and vanilla from oak ageing, the wine remains fresh, mineral-driven, and balanced by vibrant acidity.
Q. What temperature should it be served at?
A. Serve chilled at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to highlight its aromatics and freshness.
Discover our range of Ridge Vineyards' wines.
Read of blog on Ridge Vineyards
Explore our range of Californian wines
Explore our range of Chardonnay wines
