2018 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
Pure, fragrant aromas of green apple and orange blossom frame this delicious wine as a classic Russian River Chardonnay. Ripe Bartlett pear, apricot and floral notes meld with preserved orange peel and spice notes on the palate. The wine is delicate and elegant and stays light on the palate with mouth-watering acidity.
The weather in 2018 was spectacular, making this another exceptionally-fine vintage for Sonoma County. A near record long growing season, with plenty of cool days, punctuated with sunny and warm patches allowed flavors and textures to mature fully. Crop levels were above average, with many sites producing the best crops in years. The acidity levels are higher than normal, with perfectly ripened fruit. Though the year was cool, the fruit was very clean and high quality. A vintage to remember!
With its beautiful old vines nestled on a rolling northwest-facing hillside, Kent Ritchie Vineyard has established a reputation as one of the Russian River Valley’s finest winegrowing sites. Originally planted in 1972, Kent Ritchie Vineyard features classic sandy Goldridge soils on a sloping benchland that lead to the Russian River. The grapes from this wine come from our block of Wente clone Chardonnay at the crest of one of highest hills.
100% Whole-cluster pressed
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (44% new; 56% 1-2-year old) – 10 months
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
- Type:
- White
- Varietal:
- Chardonnay
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Russian River Valley
- Vintage:
- 2018
- Blend:
- 100% Chardonnay fruit
- Aging:
- Sur lie aged with weekly stirring
- Alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Fermentation:
- 100% indigenous yeast fermentations (wild); 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel