Ritchie Vineyard

Ritchie Vineyard – Farmed by proprietor Kent Ritchie since 1972, this vineyard produces wine of rare intensity and complexity. With old vines tucked into sloping benchlands that lead into the Russian River, the Ritchie vineyard lies in the heart of the Russian River Valley appellation. A great balance of cooling ocean fog and slightly warmer inland temperatures produce wines with intense, natural acidity with an extra richness and lushness. Sandy Goldridge soils combined with volcanic ash deposits provide great drainage while limiting vine vigor and yield.

Russian River AVA – Centered on Sonoma County’s Russian River, this AVA set the standard for California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals. Known for its characteristically cool climate, ocean influence blows through the Petaluma Gap, bringing foggy 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 2024 Russian River Valley growing season began with welcome winter rainfall and a mild spring that allowed for even bud break and flowering, followed by warm summer days tempered by the region’s signature cool evenings and coastal fog. Preserving natural acidity and aromatic lift, steady ripening through late summer provided extended hang time and excellent flavor development, leading to an early and orderly harvest.

Accolades – Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 94 points | Boich’s 2024 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is all barrel-fermented and matured but with little stirring, “to retain freshness and precision,” says winemaker Jeff Ames. Pencil shavings and vanilla nuances frame ripe notes of apricot, peach, pineapple and even mango-like tropical fruit. This is full-bodied and rich, almost unctuous, with a slightly oily mouthfeel, but it has orange and lime zest on the lingering finish.