I don’t traditionally spend a great deal of post space on “hard” wine news, but this little item is actually quite exciting, and accordingly, I wish to share the news:

Ridge Named One of California’s Top Chardonnay Producers by Wine Spectator Magazine!

In the new July 2012 issue of the venerable Wine Spectator, James Laube (Wine Spectator‘s expert on the wines of California) selects his Top 30 producers of Chardonnay in California, and I am happy to report that Ridge Vineyards is on the list!

Mr. Laube writes:

“That Ridge is successful with both Cabernet and Chardonnay from its perch in the Santa Cruz Mountains is a singular accomplishment. The Monte Bello Chardonnay is a seamless, rich and occasionally opulent wine. Whole-cluster pressed and barrel-fermented, it reflects its cool-climate origin and the limestone subsoils. Like the Cabernet, it is aged in American oak. Paul Draper, winemaker since 1969, provides vision and direction.  Eric Baugher is winemaker.”  – James Laube

Quite exciting to be profiled in this fashion, and for those of you out there who have tasted and enjoyed our Chardonnays in the past, we hope this is a welcome affirmation! And for those who’ve yet to taste our cool-climate, mountain-grown, traditionally-crafted Chardonnays, perhaps this will nudge you towards giving these wines a try!

For more about our currently available Chardonnays, please click here.

And in closing, thank you to Wine Spectator and to Mr. Laube for highlighting our history and efforts with this fascinating and complex varietal, and thank you to all of you out there who taste and enjoy our wines!

Categories: Chardonnay, Monte Bello, Paul Draper, Press Reviews, Tasting Notes, Varietals & Blends, Wine Quotes

Tags: James Laube, Ridge Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards Chardonnay, Wine Spectator