2022 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
On the warm, northern reaches of the Russian River Valley, this 2022 expresses ample sunlight in the glass: ripe pear, pink honeysuckle, Jasmine and white nectarine. The palate delivers ample girth and weight, with a minerality fluttering in the background. Juicy acidity composes the finish and gives liveliness to the fruit.
The 2022 vintage in Sonoma was remarkable, marked by a series of climatic challenges and triumphs. Below-average rainfall during the winter months was mitigated by the heavy rains in March and April. A sustained heatwave in August accelerated ripeness, leading to a compressed harvest. The 2022 wines are shaping up to be exceptional, with delightful fruit profiles, acid structures, and concentration. It’s a vintage that captures the essence of Sonoma’s terroir, promising wines that are vibrant, complex, and true to their vineyard origins.
Originally planted in 1972, Kent Ritchie Vineyard features classic sandy Goldridge soils on a sloping benchland that lead to the Russian River. The grapes from this wine come from our block of Wente clone Chardonnay at the crest of one of highest hills.
100% Whole-cluster pressed
100% indigenous yeast fermentation
Sur lie aged with regular stirring
100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (25% new; 75% 1-3year old). All 3-year aged staves
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
This wine is Vegan
- Type:
- White
- Varietal:
- Chardonnay
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Russian River Valley
- Vintage:
- 2022
- Blend:
- 100% Chardonnay fruit
- Aging:
- Aged 18 months on primary lees before bottling
- Alcohol:
- 14.5