Santa Cruz Mountains Wines
2009 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
A baby sibling to Ridge's Monte Bello Cab, this is made with grapes from the same vineyard.
Pairing: Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Grapes
1 of 7
2007 Thomas Fogarty Portola Springs Chardonnay
A vineyard nearly 2,000 feet above sea level produces this focused Chardonnay. It's intensely lemony, with steely mineral flavors and plenty of food-friendly acidity.
Pairing: Crab Louie
2 of 7
2007 Mount Eden Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
This elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, with its layers of tobacco, mocha and cassis, is a benchmark for the Santa Cruz Mountains region—and, indeed, for the entire state of California.
3 of 7
2008 Varner Bee Block Chardonnay
Twin brothers Bob and Jim Varner craft this distinctive Chardonnay. A faint hint of smoke reveals the judicious use of oak, and citrus and mineral flavors round out the palate.
Pairing: Sheep's-Milk Ricotta Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Corn
4 of 7
2008 Arnot-Roberts Fellom Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Roberts are known for complex reds from cool-climate vineyards, like this one near Ridge's famous Monte Bello site.
Related: Pizza Vesuvio with the Works
5 of 7
2008 Clos La Chance Santa Cruz Mountains Reserve Chardonnay
"The Santa Cruz Mountains may be the most underrated region in California," says F&W's Ray Isle.
Pairing: Crab Cakes with Horseradish Cream
6 of 7
2009 Ridge Estate Chardonnay
This reliably wonderful Chardonnay is effusive and complex.