2018 Ritchie Horseshoe Block Chardonnay

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay 

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Sensory Notes: Rated 96 points by Jim Gordon of Wine Enthusiast, this rich, textured and lively Chardonnay showcases energizing lime with vanilla and almond undertones. A full body expresses butterscotch, peach blossom, satin texture and a lengthy finish that balances minerality and acid with a lingering finish.

Winemaking Notes: The grapes for this wine were picked on September 18 and sorted by hand before being cold-settled for 24 hours. The fruit was then barreled down and fermented in 100% French oak, with daily barrel stirring during primary fermentation. After an extended malolactic fermentation, the wine was then aged for an additional 11 months in barrel.

Vineyard Notes: Kent Ritchie’s iconic Chardonnay vineyard sits along fog-laden Eastside Road in the Russian River Valley. Good drainage from the sloping property, in conjunction with the unique soil profile of Goldridge and volcanic ash deposits make for top-notch grapes that display acidity and intensity. Ritchie’s Horseshoe Block was planted to Wente clone in 1970. Time has allowed the plantings to produce a lower yield of tantalizing fruit with intensity, minerality and subtle tropical fruit notes.