Ritchie

96

Johnathan Cristaldi, Decanter

Soaring sea spray aromatics are tinged with white flowers, a hint of almond skin and a pop of candied ginger. It is just gorgeous on entry, linear and focused, teasing the senses with lemon oil, candied apricots, and a seemingly salty, crushed stone minerality. A crystalline kind of acidity cuts the richness, and the finish is long, zesty, and completely mineral-driven. Old Wente Clone Chardonnay from Blocks G and E of the famous Ritchie Vineyard in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Aging is 18 months in 25% new Damy French Oak barrels, and the rest neutral, and includes 12 months of aging sur lie, with no battonnage. Alejandro Bulgheroni owns Lithology and is part of the New Frontier Wine Co. portfolio. The impressive team includes winemaker Matt Sands, assistant winemaker Mark Pittman, consultant winemakers Maayan Koschitzky and Philipe Melka, and Consultant Enologist Michel Rolland.

Vineyard

An iconic vineyard for Russian River Valley Chardonnay the Ritchie vineyard is planted with 40+-year-old Wente clone vines that are carefully cared for by Kent Ritchie. The age and clone cause the fruit to retain much of the natural minerality and acidity of the Russian River Valley so the wines are fresh and vibrant.