1972 Monte Bello Chardonnay

The grapes matured with high acidity, but malolactic fermentation achieved good balance by Spring. At this writing, the wine needs considerable air to bring out the varietal nose, but should come up well with a further year of age. This unfiltered wine has put down considerable tartrate crystals. Handle with care before serving.

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.