Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013
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Vineyard Profile
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Kent Ritchie has owned and farmed his namesake vineyard since the early 1970s. The vineyard is located just off of River Road at the intersection of Eastside Road and Trenton Road in the Russian River Valley. This location is unique because it sits on a bench at the confluence of the Russian River, the Santa Rosa Plain and the Laguna de Santa Rosa, each of which influences the vineyard’s terroir. The site’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean exposes it to the cooling effects of the coastal fog, yet at the same time the vineyard’s location allows for ample sunlight once the fog has burned off around noon. Ritchie Vineyard is composed of well-drained, sandy Goldridge soil, ideal for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Finally, the vineyard is planted predominately to the Old Wente selection of Chardonnay which is highly coveted for its low yields and ability to produce an intensely flavored and aromatic wine. Kent Ritchie is truly a great guy and this is truly one of the grand vineyards of the Russian River Valley. It’s an honor to work with such an iconic vineyard.
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Technical Information
- Production (in cases): 188 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 14.8%
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Tasting Notes
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The 2013 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay is a rich, layered wine that showcases the quality of this California grand cru vineyard. On the nose, the wine displays aromas of wet granite, brioche, vanilla bean, lemon oil and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is pure silk, with notes of honeydew melon, lemon butter, mango and panna cotta. This Chardonnay has incredible density, intensity and length, with layers of flavors unfolding on the palate for a full minute. Drink 2015 through 2025.
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Images
Reviews
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Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013 – 93 points, Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
“An opulent nose surges from the bottle in this lush, exuberant wine from the legendary vineyard site. Pronounced flavors of baked apple, caramel, honey and peach combine in memorable, full-bodied ways. Textured and layered …”
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Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013 – 93+ points – Vinous
“Orchard fruit, white flowers and mint open up, but only with great reluctance. The most reticent of these 2013 Chardonnays … hints of slate, smoke, dried herbs and flowers hint at the wine's considerable potential.”
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Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013 – 94 points – Wine Spectator
"Presents a tight, solid, direct core of pear, apple, citrus and melon flavors, fanning out with a splash of toasty oak. Turns silky smooth, ending with a persistent anise and black licorice edge."
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Chardonnay, Ritchie Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013
On the nose, the wine displays wet granite, brioche, vanilla bean, lemon oil and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is pure silk, with honeydew, lemon butter, mango and panna cotta. This Chardonnay has incredible density, intensity and length.