The 2021 Domaine Della Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay is a noteworthy white wine hailing from Sonoma, California in the North Coast region. Produced by Domaine Della, this Chardonnay has garnered significant attention from professional wine reviewers, earning high praise across the board. This vintage is bottled with a cork closure and has an alcohol content of 14.2%.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 94, highlighting its aromatic complexity. According to Suckling, the wine presents "peaches, baked apples, hazelnuts, custard, and some vanilla on the nose." He further describes it as "medium- to full-bodied, with deliciously toasty and flinty undertones to the fresh stone fruit." The wine's "vibrant acidity" and "laser-focused and flavorful finish" make it suitable for immediate consumption or further aging.
Jeb Dunnuck also praised this Chardonnay, giving it a score of 93. Dunnuck notes its "pleasantly smoky earth, ripe apple, pineapple, and toasted spice" aromas. He describes the wine as "full-bodied," with a "sunnier feel" thanks to its "golden peach, chamomile, and almond" notes. He also mentions its "rounded with a chalky texture," recommending it for drinking between 2023 and 2030.
Wine Enthusiast’s Jim Gordon also rated the wine at 93, commending its "relaxed and luxurious" nature. Gordon describes it as "velvety smooth and super-concentrated," brimming with "pastry shop flavors on a luscious texture." He suggests pairing it with sautéed scallops or sole in beurre blanc, and recommends enjoying it through 2028.
Wine Spectator gave the wine a score of 92, noting its "terrific focus" and "appealingly plump, creamy texture." The wine offers "lemon curd, tangy makrut lime, green apple and green papaya flavors," with additional details of "orange zest, candied ginger, and lemon verbena that linger effortlessly on the finish." They suggest drinking this wine now or through 2028, with only 150 cases produced.
Overall, the 2021 Domaine Della Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay stands out for its aromatic complexity, vibrant acidity, and luxurious texture, making it a well-regarded choice among Chardonnay enthusiasts.