2016 Ritchie Vyd Chardonnay
92 pts Wine Enthusiast
With a total production of only 228 cases, our 2016 Russian River Valley (Old Wente clone) Chardonnay comes off with another hedonistic style, with big boldness, and Cabernet-lover’s delight. Similar to previous vintages, it is still unfined, unfiltered, and using native yeast, but the difference is that in this vintage, Ralph Hertelendy brought Phillip Corallo-Titus (winemaker at Chappellet and Titus) into the Chardonnay program (you’ll notice that both Phillip’s and Ralph’s signatures are now on the back label). Phillip brought that modern Napa style into this process and introduced a brighter acidity and different style of complexity than Ralph had in year’s past.
Label Changes Color!
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Aging
19 Months - 90% new French oak
Alcohol %
14.70
Wine Enthusiast
92
Robert Parker
90
Wine Profile
Awards
"The 2016 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard was barrel fermented with 100% malolactic fermentation and lees stirring, and it was aged 19 months in 100% new French oak. It has appealing scents of petrichor, citrus blossom and bruised apple. Over time it fleshes out to lemon cream, banana chip, soft baking spices and nutty hints. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a dichotomy between minerally notions and buttery, creamy character, with just enough freshness on the finish. This is more of an old-school style with that very apparent malolactic character. 228 cases produced." — Erin Brooks, Robert Parker Wine Advocate