Ridge produced its first chardonnay in 1962 from fully mature vines planted in the late 1940s on the Monte Bello estate vineyard. Production never exceeded ten barrels, and Monte Bello Chardonnay was sold principally at the winery.
The grapes are whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged on the lees for nine months and the wine is then aged in 80% air-dried American oak barrels and 20% French oak barrels. The French oak barrels are 15% new, 20% one year-old, 40% three years-old, and 25% five years-old.
The wine offers aromas of citrus, stone fruits, brioche and almonds leading to a palate showing light oak, tart apple, lemon blossom and long minerality.