2016 Kent Ritchie Vineyard 3L

93 Points: Wine Spectator

The 2016 growing season was a stellar vintage. Concentrated flavors developed early in the year at a low harvest Brix. We harvested early on August 22nd, 2016. This captured the crisp fruit and mineral qualities this unique site offers.

This prized site in the Russian River Valley has been farmed for more than 40 years by renowned winegrower Kent Ritchie. The vineyard is planted to Wente Selection Chardonnay. Situated on gently rolling hills, the soil is sandy loam with striations of sandstone. The famous clockwork fog of the Russian River Valley keeps this vineyard cool and provides ideal conditions for growing a classic expression of Chardonnay.

• composition:

  100% Chardonnay

• alcohol: 14.5%
• bottling date: 08/15/2017
• aging:

  Aged 11 months in French oak, 18% new

• fermentation:

  Whole cluster pressed then racked into French oak for primary and malolactic fermentation