2020 Arista Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard

Taking on wonderful intensity in its aromatics of flinty gravel stones, lime leaf, white pepper, and fresh pineapple, the 2020 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is full-bodied and reveals a core of ripe fruit without feeling blousy, with ripe Bartlett pear, a chalky texture, and a touch of almond and fresh herbs. Allow another year and drink 2024-2034. Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Arista Winery was founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams, who handed over day-to-day operations to their children, Mark and Ben, in 2012. Today, the winemaking is overseen by esteemed winemaker Matt Courtney, who spent eight years with Marcassin. Additionally, Matt makes wines under his own label, Ferren. He holds back an additional year in bottle for both wineries before release. Thus, the most recent coverage is for the 2020 vintage, where they made the difficult decision to only produce white wines due to the impact of the fires.

-

The 2020 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard comes from vines planted in the 1970s. It was matured for 12 months in 35% new French oak and finished with six months in stainless steel. This shows the impressive concentration and generosity that could have defined the style of the 2020 vintage before the wildfires hit. Youthful tones of crème brûlée and toast give way to citrus blossoms, lemongrass and apricot on the nose. The medium-bodied palate pairs generous, honeyed fruit and a luxurious, mouth-coating texture with laser-like acidity that compels you to take another sip, and although the Arista wines generally age well, there's no reason to wait for this—drink it over the next 3-5+ years. 650 cases produced.