2016 Arista Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard
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From a famous site in the Russian River, the 2016 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard spent a year in one-third new French oak followed by six months in tank. With a ting of green in its gold color, it has more Chablis-like lemon drops, white flowers, and lemongrass aromatics to go with a marine-like salinity and obvious crushed rock minerality. It's rich, deep, and concentrated on the palate, with a beautiful texture, as well as bright, integrated acidity. It's a beautiful wine.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2016 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is one of the more linear wines in this range, relatively speaking. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and white pepper give the wine a super-distinctive upper register. Aromatic, bright and focused, the Ritchie is refined and loaded with real personality.
From 43-year-old vines planted to Old Wente clones, the 2016 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard features crushed oyster shell and saline to begin, with Bosc pear, sliced quince and toasted almond notes. Medium to full-bodied, it's minerally in the mouth with a core of fresh fruits, very juicy acidity and a very long, honey-nut finish. 248 cases produced.