May 2017

91 Points, Wine Enthusiast
“This is from an extreme coastal site high above the town of Annapolis, a study in ocean-driven minerality and lift. A small production, it offers lengthy acidity and moderately toasty oak beneath a well of white peach, lemon and briny sea stone.” —Virginie Boone, June 2018

93 Points, Wine Spectator
“A juicy, citrus-driven effort, with a core of green apple, lemon-lime, white peach and tangerine flavors, this has zesty acidity and a mouthwatering personality that makes it easy to reach for the second and third glass. Drink now through 2022.” —Jim Laube, June 2018

90 Points, Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Chardonnay Kent Ritchie Vineyard gives up intense grapefruit, guava and green mango scents with suggestions of baking bread and beeswax. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a racy acid backbone lifting the tropical flavors to a nice, long finish. 261 cases produced.” —Lisa Perrotti-Brown, April 27, 2018

95 Points, Pinot File
“Kent Ritchie has farmed his iconic vineyard for nearly 40 years. Wente selection from original 40-year-old plantings and 15- to 20-year old vines. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged on the lees with occasional stirring for 15 months. 15% new French oak. Light golden yellow color in the glass. Soaring aromas of lemon, pineapple, pear, creme brûlée and a hint of slate. Lovely flavors of pear, lemon, pineapple and melon that are both intense and lifted by vibrant acidity. Impeccably composed and balanced, with a slightly viscous mouth feel and a grand finish that really holds on. Goes down like mother’s milk. A special wine from a venerable vineyard and exceptional by any measure. Terrific price to boot.” — Robert Whitley, Jan. 20, 2018

91 Points, Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide
“This is creamy and lush in vanilla, marshmallow and a healthy helping of toasted oak, yet it evolves in the glass to show undeniable acidity and mineral-laden aspects of dried herb and crushed rock. The finish emphasizes its light-bodied approach.” — Virginie Boone, May 2018

95 Points, Wine Review Online
“I really love great Chardonnay, and I’m always surprised at the small percentage of it that rises to this level considering how much of it is out there. Thankfully, I run across wines like this one periodically, wines that demand attention and fly way above the mediocre ocean of its siblings. Gorgeous citrus, tart apple, pear and gentle oak spice ride bold acidity through a blossoming finish that says pay no mind to them – come with me. Brava!” —Rich Cook, April 10, 2018

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide
“Juicy, with a medium-built backbone of intense fresh acidity, this wine is savory in spirit and style, with large helpings of black tea, cardamom and forest pine. The fruit component is defined in cherry, cola and vanilla.” —Virginie Boone, November 13, 2018

90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Linear layers of lemon chiffon and clove-spiked orange wrap around light oak and focused acidity. Medium bodied and smoothly textured, it offers a kiss of caramel on the finish. —Virginie Boone, Feb. 1, 2017

93 Points, Wine Advocate
“The pale to medium ruby colored 2015 Pinot Noir Manzana Vineyard has an earthy nose of forest floor, fungi and truffles over a black cherries and black raspberries core plus a waft of mocha. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of black berry and earthy characters and a plush texture, it finishes long and fruity. 181 cases produced.” —Lisa Perrotti-Brown, April 27, 2018

90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This is a big, meaty wine that wears its youthfulness on its sleeve, showing a touch of reduction and assertive oak. Beneath its wall of ripeness, black licorice, cherry and pomegranate characteristics are buoyed by a depth of thick tannin. —Virginie Boone, April 1, 2017