RAMEY 2021 CHARDONNAY "RITCHIE" RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 750mL

About 20 years ago, David Ramey was part of a select group of winemakers who became tired of "laboratory" or "squeaky clean" wines devoid of character. He wanted to bring terroir back into wines from California, and his success was the benefit of the consumer! David Ramey became known throughout the wine world as a winemaker associated with stellar quality, and he brought his expertise to brands such as Chalk Hill, Matanzas Creek, Dominus Estate and Rudd Estate, as well as his own brand.

Ritchie Vineyard is widely spaced, as was the fashion in the early '70s. These old, gnarly trunked vines produce small clusters with distinct "hen and chick" berry sizes. Ramey has worked with the same block of Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay since 2002. The floral character of the small portion of Musqué lends an aromatic lift while the Old Wente provides structure and acidity.

JEB DUNNJCK 96 POINTS - "A deeper straw color, the 2021 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is ripe with delicate incense, ripe white peach, and orange blossom. Medium to full-bodied, it’s long on the palate, with great balance. It’s slightly more forward and exuberant in the glass and has great length along with a terrific finish. I love this wine. Drink 2024-2035."

ANTONIO GALLONI 94 POINTS - "The 2021 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is fabulous. A Chardonnay of stature and textural finesse, the 2021 is super-expressive right out of the gate. There's gorgeous oiliness and nuance here. Ritchie is one of the great sites in the Russian River Valley. Vibrant mineral notes play off the wine's notable richness. This is a fine example."

WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "There's a wonderful energy to the lemon sherbet, pear, lime zest and pineapple flavors at the core of this sleek, vibrant white. Offers notes of white flowers, dried ginger and vetiver, plus a mouthwatering thread of saline and lemongrass on the long, expansive finish. Drink now through 2033. 455 cases made."