The 2017 Ridge Chardonnay Estate, produced in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California's Central Coast, is a standout white wine noted for its complexity and depth. With an alcohol content of 14.2%, this Chardonnay is crafted by the esteemed Ridge winery and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
Professional reviewers have praised this wine for its rich, flavorful profile. Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 92, describing it as "a big, rich and showy white, filled with spicy notes to the ripe apple, pear and wild herb flavors." The review highlights its minerally and buttery finish, suggesting it is ideal for consumption now through 2024.
Jeb Dunnuck provided an even more favorable assessment, scoring it at 94 points. Dunnuck noted the wine's "Burgundian reductive quality" and commended its "first-rate notes of caramelized orchard fruits, crushed rock, and subtle toasty, nutty notes." He emphasizes its bright acidity and mid-palate depth, asserting that it possesses "the class and structure to keep for 15+ years," indicating its potential for aging.
James Suckling also rated the wine highly, with a score of 93. Suckling remarked on its "complexity and precision," noting flavors of "sliced cooked apples, limes, lemons, and hints of flan and butterscotch." He describes it as "medium to full body," with a "tight and compact" structure, making it a delightful choice to enjoy now or to hold for future enjoyment.
Overall, the 2017 Ridge Chardonnay Estate is celebrated for its rich flavor profile and impressive aging potential, with reviews consistently praising its complexity and balance.