2017 Ritchie Vyd Chardonnay

92 Points Wine Enthusiast

With only 239 cases produced and barrel aged 19 months in 90% New French Oak, our 2017 Russian River Valley Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay may just be the best Chardonnay produced to date. Being the second Chardonnay vintage that Phillip Corallo-Titus worked on with Ralph, there’s more acidity and balance than in previous vintages.

Robert Parker’s Erin Brooks described this vintage as having a “softly, savory character” and a “long, juicy finish” while Jeb Dunnuck mentions that this wine reminds him of an old Meursault: “it’s full-bodied, ripe, and opulent, yet has good acidity.” This is a delicious wine that showcases more sophistication than previous vintages while carrying the typical elegant style you’ve grown to love. Similar to previous vintages, it is barrel fermented using native yeast with 100% malolactic fermentation and batonnage. It is also unfined and unfiltered, but the difference is that in this vintage, Phillip introduced that modern Napa style into this process highlighting a brighter acidity and different style of complexity. Medium plus to full-bodied, it offers a dichotomy between tropical minerality and creamy mouthfeel with plenty of crème brûlée on the finish.

Be sure to chill it down until the lions change color, and then you’ll know you’re at the proper serving temperature!