2018 Ritchie Vyd Chardonnay
95 Points The Wine Independent
With only 296 cases produced and barrel aged 17 months in 90% New French Oak, our 2018 Russian River Valley Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay may just be the best Chardonnay produced to date. Being the third Chardonnay vintage that Phillip Corallo-Titus worked on with Ralph, there’s more acidity and balance than in previous vintages. Our previous vintage, Jeb Dunnuck mentioned that this wine reminds him of an old Meursault: “it’s full-bodied, ripe, and opulent, yet has good acidity.” The 2018's might be the most balanced overall as we were able to get very long hang time on the vine and exceptionally ripe fruit.
Be sure to chill it down until the lions change color, and then you’ll know you’re at the proper serving temperature! Similar to previous vintages, it is medium to full-bodied, unfined, unfiltered, and using native yeast, it is interlaced between coastal mineral salinity, bright acidiy, and tropical notes of creamy Maui pineapple, guava, and melon with creme brulee on the long lasting finish.