Our 2015 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay opens with enticing aromas of Asian Pear and hazelnut with a touch of Meyer lemon. Creamy flavors of Fuji apple with toasted oats and vanilla crème spread across the palate. Well balanced acidity and a long finish make this a delightful pairing with roasted chicken or hard cheeses.
Beautifully golden in the glass, our 2015 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay opens with aromas of warm Asian pear with a touch of soft spice. Rich flavors of ripe apple and hazelnut are balanced with notes of vanilla and crisp lemon. Creamy and spreading across the palate with bright, medium plus acidity, this wine pairs beautifully with a seafood paella or roasted chicken with lemon beurre blanc.
With its beautiful old vines nestled on a rolling northwest-facing hillside in the heart of the Russian River Valley, the Ritchie Vineyard commands respect. First planted in 1972, the benchland soil is pure Goldridge loam, common to great vineyards in the region.
A blend of two Chardonnay clones
contributes to the unique character of this wine: the Musqué clone yields fruit of delightful floral and sweet spice nuance, while the Wente clone imparts rich texture and multi-dimensional layers of fruit. Hand picking, sorting, and whole-cluster basket pressing preserves these flavors, while barrel fermentation and sur lie aging lend firmness and palate richness, establishing structure for this wine to retain depth and complexity for several years.