2007 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay, California

Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay is quite open at this stage, showing toasty oak on the nose with hints of vanilla. On the palate a dash of lime juice acts as a pleasing counterpoint to the richness of fruit; full-bodied but not at all blowsy, with slightly tropical notes interwoven with hazelnut. Good length on the finish and a pleasant balancing acidity. Elegant, precise finish. Needs a few months more for all the elements to harmonise properly but a lovely bottle in the making. Bottled unfiltered.
(Alun Griffiths MW, BBR Wine Director)