Ritchie Vineyard

Ritchie Vineyard – Farmed by proprietor Kent Ritchiesince 1972, thisvineyard produces wine of rare intensity and complexity. With old vines tucked into sloping benchlands that lead into the Russian River, the Ritchievineyard lies in the heartof the Russian River Valley appellation.Agreat balance of cooling ocean fog and slightly warmer inland temperatures produce wines with intense, natural aciditywithan extra richness and lushness. SandyGoldridgesoils combined with volcanic ash deposits provide great drainage while limiting vine vigorand yield.

Russian River AVA – Centered on Sonoma County’s Russian River, this AVAset the standard for California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals.Known for its characteristically cool climate, ocean influence blowsthrough the Petaluma Gap,bringingfoggy nights graciously soaked up by the vines. The central region of the Russian River AVA fosters ripe fruit with rich mouthfeel and bright acidity, producing some of the best Chardonnay in the world.

Vintage Notes – The 2023 vintage was marked by a cool, extended growing season with late harvests, yielding wines of freshness, balance, and finesse. Chardonnay shows bright acidity with layered flavors of pear, citrus, and stone fruit, complemented by subtle oak and minerality. Overall, the vintage produced elegant, age-worthy wines with excellent concentration and poise.

Accolades – Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 94 points | The barrel-fermented 2023 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is wonderfully complex on the nose, offering up hints of lemon and lime, gently torched meringue, pineapple, melon and subtle custardy shadings. Full-bodied, round and generous on the mid-palate, it’s also laser-focused and crisp on the finish. This is impressive.