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Mindego Ridge Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2014

White Wine from California, United States
$47.99
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Santa Cruz is now getting recognized as prime CA terroir; and up and comer Mindegoe Ridge is proving how great this region is for wine.

There is a distinct geology as well as unique micro-climate in these coastal forests of Santa Cruz that contributes to an expression of California wine that is very different from our neighbors to the North in Sonoma and Napa.

Our focus is often on the old-school Santa Cruz producers. Classic vineyards like Ridge's Monte Bello and those of Mount Eden have been producing some of California's top wines for decades. And more recent cult favorites like Rhys have also brought renewed energy and attention to the area.

That is why were very excited to learn about, and then taste, a very new winery called Mindego Ridge. The back story is simple but sort of perfect. In 2009 Stacey and Dave Gollnick purchased 10 acres of land in the far, Northwest corner of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. They wanted to become growers and so they planted all 10 acres to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Since then they have farmed the vines with a combination of organic and biodynamic practices and hired star winemaker Ehren Jordan (of Failla in Sonoma) as their winemaker. As he does at Failla, Ehren uses only native yeast fermentation and does not fine or filter the wine. Everything is done by hand (and mostly hands-off) and as such there is a very lovely, light touch on these wines.

Professional Reviews

Antonio Galloni

AG 94
"The 2014 Chardonnay is one of the most distinctive wines being made in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Graphite, smoke, peach, mint and honey give the 2014 much of its exotic flair. Dramatic in both its flavors and phenolic intensity, the 2014 is absolutely gorgeous. The aromatics are slightly reductive, so I would give the 2014 a good bit of air. There is no question the 2014 is a stunning wine, although it shows the most extroverted, flamboyant side of what is possible in the Santa Cruz Mountains." -Vinous

Robert Parker

RP 93
"The 2014 Chardonnay from Mindego Ridge comes from a tiny 1.5-acre parcel and spent 11 months in mostly neutral French oak. Beautiful notes of white peach, pineapple, exotic flowers and hints of mint all flow from this medium to full-bodied, rich, layered, gorgeous Chardonnay that has excellent freshness and vibrancy. Like all 2014s, its upfront and ready to go, with tons of fruit. Drink it over the coming couple of years. The Gollnick family continues to make a brilliant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the estate Mindego Ridge Vineyard."

Details

  • Grape Variety

    Chardonnay

  • Vintage

    2014

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Sustainable

  • Style

    Aromatic , Fruity , Oaky

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Medium Bodied