..
Vineyard Profile
Kent Ritchie has owned and farmed his namesake vineyard since the early 1970’s. The vineyard is located just off of River Road at the intersection of Eastside Road and Trenton Road. The 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 these unique geological characteristics influences the “terroir” of the Ritchie Vineyard. The vineyard’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean exposes it to the cool effect of the coastal fog yet at the same time the site’s location allows for ample sunlight once the fog has burned off around noon. The well-drained, sandy, Goldridge Soils are ideal for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Finally, the vineyard is planted to, predominately, the Old Wente Selection of Chardonnay which is highly coveted for its low yields and ability to produce an intensely flavored and aromatic wine. It’s an honor to work with such an iconic vineyard
Vineyards: Ritchie Vineyard
Vineyard Owner: Kent Ritchie
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Vine Age: 40-45 years
Clones: Old Wente Selection
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, Goldridge Soils
Vinification
Cold grapes arrive at the winery early in the morning after having been picked at night. Grape clusters are sorted by hand and gently transferred as whole clusters directly into our press to undergo an extremely gentle press cycle lasting 3-4 hours. From the settling tank, the juice is moved to 60-gallon French oak barrels, where fermentation is allowed to occur naturally using only native yeast that come in from our vineyards. Limited battonage is used during the first 2-3 months of fermentation in order to encourage the development of a healthy yeast population. Once fermentation is safely underway the wine is not disturbed until the fermentation is complete, which typically takes about 10-11 months. Final blends are assembled and gently racked to stainless-steel tanks for about 4-6 months.
Aging: Approximately 11 months fermentation and aging in barrel followed by 4-6 months in stainless steel
Filtration: Unfiltered
Fining: Unfined
Technical Information
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13.9%
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay is easily the most graceful edition of this wine we have ever made. With its south-facing aspect in the center of the Russian River Valley appellation, Ritchie Vineyard is known for producing broad, expansive, wildly expressive wines. By capturing and controlling that natural tendency of the vineyard, we can achieve the best of both worlds: a wine with intrinsic richness but also freshness and balance. Reticent at first, the wine opens up to reveal classic Chardonnay notes of toasted brioche, vanilla, sweet cream, and lemon candy. The incredible mouthfeel is a trademark of Ritchie vineyard, and the 2019 vintage is totally on-brand: This wine builds in intensity on the palate over the course of a minute-long finish, culminating in a silky amalgamation of toasted almond, caramelized sugar, and poached peach
List Price: $105.00
Not in Store: Available in 5 - 7 days
add to cart continue shoppingYour shopping cart is empty!
Fri, Jul 26, 2024
A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti. Hannibal Lecter ...
Fri, Jul 26, 2024
We have a minimum of 6 people to reserve the table in the Cave but we will take up to 16 p...
Sat, Jul 27, 2024
If reassurances could dull pain, nobody would ever go to the trouble of pressing grapes. SCOTT LYNCH, The L...
Sat, Jul 27, 2024
We have a minimum of 6 people to reserve the table in the Cave but we will take up to 16 p...
Thu, Aug 1, 2024
Bring water, bring wine, boy! Bring flowering garlands to me! Yes, bring them, so that I may try a bout with...
Thu, Aug 1, 2024
We have a minimum of 6 people to reserve the table in the Cave but we will take up to 16 people for a ...
Fri, Aug 2, 2024
An artist is somebody who produces things that people don't need to have. Andy Warhol ...
Fri, Aug 2, 2024
We have a minimum of 6 people to reserve the table in the Cave but we will take up to 16 people for a ...
Sat, Aug 3, 2024
> "Old red wine, not worth a dime; we'll have to finish it after crossing the ...
Sat, Aug 3, 2024
We have a minimum of 6 people to reserve the table in the Cave but we will take up to 16 people for a ...