Ridge Vineyards, Estate Chardonnay 2024
Product Information
Country USA
Region California
Grape Variety Chardonnay
Vintage 2024
ABV 14.3%
WINES WILL BE SHIPPED TO THE UK IN AUTUMN 2026
Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2024
Premium Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay from Ridge Vineyards
The Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2024 is a beautifully balanced California white wine sourced from the historic Monte Bello estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Crafted with minimal intervention and traditional winemaking techniques, this Chardonnay showcases purity of fruit, vibrant acidity, and refined oak integration.
Produced in limited quantities from estate-grown fruit, this highly sought-after vintage reflects Ridge’s long-standing reputation for precision, terroir-driven wines. If you are searching for a premium Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay, the 2024 Estate Chardonnay offers both immediate enjoyment and excellent ageing potential.
Wine Overview
Wine: Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2024
Producer: Ridge Vineyards
Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Country: United States
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Style: Full-bodied, mineral-driven California Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.3%
Drink Window: Now – 2031
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright golden colour with brilliant clarity.
Aroma: Expressive aromas of lemon curd, ripe pear, pineapple, and apricot mingle with delicate hints of brioche, toasted oak, dried flowers and flinty minerality.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with layered flavours of stone fruit, citrus zest, and baked apple, supported by subtle spice and creamy texture from barrel ageing. The wine maintains a vibrant core of acidity that gives it precision and freshness.
Finish: Long and elegant, finishing with notes of saline minerality, citrus peel and gentle vanilla oak.
This is a structured yet refined Chardonnay that balances richness with freshness, hallmarks of the best wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Winemaking & Vineyard
The fruit for this wine comes from high-elevation parcels surrounding Ridge’s legendary Monte Bello vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Traditional techniques include:
• Whole-cluster pressing
• Natural yeast fermentation
• Barrel fermentation and ageing
• Careful use of American oak
Ridge has produced Chardonnay from this site since 1962, crafting wines that emphasise vineyard character and balance rather than heavy manipulation.
The result is a Chardonnay with structure, longevity, and unmistakable terroir expression.
Food Pairing
The Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2024 pairs beautifully with rich seafood dishes and creamy textures.
Recommended pairings include:
• Butter-poached lobster
• Roast chicken with herbs
• Seared scallops
• Creamy pasta or risotto
• Mature Comté or Gruyère cheese
Its combination of richness and acidity also makes it a fantastic partner for grilled fish and shellfish.
Why Buy Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2024?
✔ Critically acclaimed California Chardonnay
✔ Estate-grown fruit from the Santa Cruz Mountains
✔ Traditional, minimal-intervention winemaking
✔ Excellent balance of richness and acidity
✔ Drink now or cellar for up to 7–10 years
For collectors and Chardonnay enthusiasts, this wine represents one of the most distinctive mountain-grown expressions of California Chardonnay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Ridge Estate Chardonnay oaked?
A. Yes. The wine is barrel fermented and aged in oak, which adds complexity and subtle notes of vanilla, spice and brioche while maintaining balance.
Q. How long can Ridge Estate Chardonnay 2024 age?
A. Most vintages drink beautifully for 6–8 years after release, though well-stored bottles may continue evolving for longer.
Q. Where is Ridge Estate Chardonnay produced?
A. The wine is produced in the Santa Cruz Mountains, one of California’s premier cool-climate regions for Chardonnay.
Q. Is Ridge Vineyards a respected winery?
A. Yes. Ridge Vineyards is widely regarded as one of California’s most historic and respected producers, particularly known for wines from the Monte Bello estate.
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