2013 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard
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Tasting notes
From the oldest vines that Aubert works with, the 2013 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is made from the old Wente clone favored by so many of the top winemakers for Chardonnay. It boasts the wet rocks and candied citrus, the white peach and pineapple notes, has a strong green hue to the light gold color, and a full-bodied, powerful finish. It is a ten-year wine at the minimum.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Pure, rich and vibrant, with a sleek build and a tight mix of green apple, citrus, mineral and melon flavors, ending with a juicy aftertaste. A sleek beam of zesty fruit makes this striking. 1,100 cases made.
The 2013 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is translucent and weightless, yet also magnificent in its depth. Graphite, slate, smoke, incense, lemon and white peach emerge from the glass, but only with great reluctance. The Ritchie is the most reticent wine in this range, but it is in many ways the most intriguing. Intensely mineral and nuanced, the 2013 Ritchie will thrill those lucky enough to own it for another decade-plus. I can't wait to see how this develops in bottle. The 2013 was done in 100% new oak, yet there is virtually no trace of oak at all.
About the producer
The Aubert wines, particularly the Chardonnay, have a cult following – beloved for their rich, hedonistic style. Created by Mark and Theresa Aubert in 1999, the property makes some of California’s most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from single vineyards across Sonoma.