From vines planted in 1972, the 2015 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is one of the gems in the lineup. Rocking notes of caramelized citrus, lemon curd, salty minerality and loads of marzipan characteristics, full body, a rich, powerful texture, and great elegance all make for a sensational Russian River Chardonnay. Like all these wines from Ramey, it has the balance and fruit to drink nicely today and the class to evolve for over a decade.

This lush-textured white comes from 42-year-old vines grown on the gravelly, sandy Goldridge loam common to great vineyards in Russian River. Harvest was early, but smaller grapes concentrated the flavours. Stylistically, the wine harks back to the full-on seduction of classic California Chardonnay, but it also has lift, tang and the structure to age well. The spicy, pineappley fruit marries well with 21% new oak, which lends the wine depth and complexity. Drinking Window 2019 - 2028 Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/usa/california/ramey-ritchie-vineyard-chardonnay-sonoma-county-russian-21430#Cr68wJrWSoK9kUoi.99

The 2015 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is a little restrained and reticent to begin, with lime leaves and lemongrass wafts over a core of white peaches, chalk dust and coriander seed. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers incredible freshness and precision, with the raciness contrasted by electric intensity, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

The block sourced by this producer was planted in 1972 with Old Wente clone. The combination of site and winemaker is stunningly successful. The grainy, textured wine is nutty and boldly laced in crème brûlée richness. Integrated vanilla oak gives it additional density as supportive acidity freshens flavors of peach, olive and apple.