2022
Lithology
Ritchie Vineyard

Chardonnay

A cool climate Chardonnay from the northwest facing slopes of the Russian River Valley, our 2022 Chardonnay reflects the marine influences, vine age, and soil composition of the Ritchie Vineyard. Vines dating back to 1972 are intermingled with more recent plantings, providing a complex wine with natural minerality and a lengthy finish. Extremely limited in production with only 56 cases, this Grand Cru quality Chardonnay is aged for 22 months in a combination of new and neutral French oak barrels, providing a balanced wine with a pure expression of the terroir.

Vineyard

Producing Grand Cru quality Chardonnay in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Ritchie Vineyard is renowned for its old vines, unique soil composition, and natural minerality. The gentle slopes are northwest facing with tufa and sandy Goldridge soils, and a cool climate influenced by the fog and coastal breezes. This vineyard has been tended by Kent Ritchie for over 50 years and vines dating back to 1972 are intermingled with vines from more recent decades, creating a field blend of ages and a concentration of flavors and complexity.

2022 Lithology Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay Matt Sands, Lithology Winemaker

Tasting Notes

Refreshing and bright, our 2022 Ritchie Chardonnay is crafted from young and old vines to provide a wine with multiple layers. Notes of pear, apricot, white flower, and honeysuckle are complemented by baked apple, panna cotta, and a hint of cinnamon.

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Technical Details

Blend100% Chardonnay
AppellationRussian River
Harvest DateAugust 19, 2022
Alcohol14.0%
Production56 cases

95 Joe Czerwinski - The Wine Advocate

From a legendary Sonoma grower, the 2022 Lithology Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard was whole-cluster pressed direct to barrel, underwent uninoculated primary fermentation and partial malolactic fermentation. Scents of ripe melon, pineapple, toasted grain and white peach appear on the mellow, harmonious nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is round and generous, then eases into a long, citrusy, refreshing finish.