1974 Monte Bello Chardonnay

The four and a half acres of old Chardonnay vines at the Ridge reached full maturity in the fine harvest of 1974, but typically, produced less than one ton of grapes per acre. The limited number of cases represent the only white wine we now make and are available solely at the winery. This fine, rich Chardonnay, aged in small oak cooperage, will continue to develop in the bottle for a number of years, but should be enjoyable tasting in the summer.

Ridge wine is made with an emphasis on quality and naturalness that is rarely attempted. Our grapes are grown in select vineyards (usually identified on the label), where they are left to ripen to peak maturity, often at some loss of quantity. We let the wine settle and age in small barrels, with only rare cellar treatment other than racking. Varieties are not blended unless indicated on the label. Near Black Mountain on Monte Bello Ridge, our main vineyard is 10 miles south of Palo Alto, 15 miles inland from the ocean, and over 2000 feet in elevation.

See all food pairing recipes we have created specifically for this wine.