2001 Aubert Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard
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Tasting notes
From a 30-year old Sonoma Coast Chardonnay vineyard planted with an old Wente clone, the 2001 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard exhibits gorgeous aromas of lemon oils intermixed with orange marmalade. A striking minerality is present in this Chardonnay along with good acidity and an intense, rich, full-bodied finish. The hefty alcohol (15%) is well-concealed behind the extravagant fruit. This full-bodied beauty represents a California version of an exotic Batard-Montrachet. It should drink well for 5-6 years. Tel. (707) 942-5611; Fax (707) 942-1573
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(aged in 90% new oak) Hazy, pale yellow. More exotic aromas of spiced pear and tangerine. Fatter, denser and more exotic than the Quarry bottling, with compelling sweetness perfectly balanced by strong, natural acidity. Expressive flavors of nectarine, minerals and wet stone. A very dense, solid wine that's still quite youthfully unevolved. With its great ripeness and firm spine of acidity, this reminded me of a top Alsace wine. ("My grand cru," notes Mark Aubert, who stirred the lees for ten months, then bottled the wine two months later.)
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.