Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc 2024 750ml

Product Info

92pts Wine Advocate
A beautiful nose of green orchard fruits, citrus blossoms and a flinty accent introduces the 2024 Grenache Blanc, which includes 12% Picpoul and 3% Roussanne. The palate is buoyant, focused and padded with a touch more textural breadth and depth than I've observed in recent vintages. It concludes with the snappy, tangy energy and mineral undercurrent that perennially characterizes this bottling. Drink Date: 2025 - 2029

Naturally, the main event of any tasting at Ridge is the latest release of Monte Bello, and I'm pleased to say that the 2022 vintage is a beautiful iteration, one that stands out as one of the firmer and more bracing examples of the modern era. Also noteworthy is a particularly impressive expression of the 2023 Estate Chardonnay, which beautifully captures the aromatic lift and effortless character of the vintage. In other news, Ridge recently opened an additional tasting room in Paso Robles, and Monte Bello Winemaker Trester Goetting, who was responsible for the 2022 and 2023 vintages, has departed the team. Head Winemaker and Chief Operating Officer John Olney has taken over the role at Monte Bello, with Lauren Lyall serving as Assistant Winemaker. Published: Aug 21, 2025 Reviewed by: Matthew Luczy

Terroir & Vineyard
This bottling is sourced from three distinguished vineyards on the west side of the Paso Robles AVA: Adelaida Vineyard, Fossil Creek Vineyard and Halter Ranch Vineyard. The soils across these sites are well-drained, often with calcareous or limestone influence, providing a firm structural backbone and elevating acidity in the resultant grapes. The warm Paso Robles climate allows for full phenolic ripeness of Grenache Blanc, while sourcing from premium sites ensures the freshness and minerality are retained.

Winemaking
The 2024 blend comprises 85% Grenache Blanc, 12% Picpoul and 3% Roussanne. After whole-cluster (direct-to-press) crushing, fermentation took place under native yeast, followed by extended élevage: part in stainless steel, part in neutral or older barrels, concrete amphora and clay amphora to preserve texture and site expression. The alcohol sits at 13.4% ABV.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale straw with luminous clarity – elegant and revealing of its finesse.
• Aroma: Fragrant and inviting: honeysuckle and citrus blossom lead, followed by pear, apricot and white-flower notes. Beneath this lies a subtle mineral/“wet stone” character that hints at site.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity, the core of white peach and apricot is lifted by green apple and citrus zest. The mineral thread (chalk/limestone) emerges in the mid-palate and carries through to the finish. The texture is clean yet layered.
• Finish: Long and crisp, with a lingering saline/mineral impression and citrus peel echo. The structure suggests both immediate drinking pleasure and short-to-medium-term cellaring potential.

Drinking Window & Serving Suggestions
This wine is vibrant and approachable now, yet built with enough structure to evolve over the next 3-5 years (and possibly more under ideal conditions). The winemakers suggest it will develop fully in that timeframe. Serve chilled to around 10-12 °C (50-54 °F) to showcase the aromatics and acidity. A white wine glass with a modest bowl works well.

Food Pairing

• Shellfish (oysters, mussels), grilled or steamed and served with lemon-herb butter — the wine’s mineral spark pairs superbly with shell/saline flavours.
• White fish (sea bass, halibut) with citrus or herb-butter sauces.
• Fresh goat cheese or a mild ricotta-based dish; also works with vegetable dishes that feature grilled, roasted or herbaceous elements (zucchini, fennel, asparagus) thanks to its freshness and texture.
• For a slightly richer pairing: grilled scallops with a light butter-lemon sauce or a saffron-risotto with peas.