2022 Ramey Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay [JS97][D96][V94][WA94][WS94]

Producer: Ramey Wine Cellars 
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California 
Varietal: Chardonnay  
Year: 2022 

James Suckling, 97 Points 

"A generous, abundant, gorgeous wine that's saturated with ripe peach, pear and floral aromas, then rich, creamy flavors that carry a floral touch. Vines used for this wine are 50 years old. A mixture of clones, including some Wente clone, some musque clone and others. Ramey has used the same 20 rows in the Ritchie Vineyard for 20 years now. Such a broad, melted mouthfeel. Drink now or hold." 

Decanter, 96 Points 

"Legendary for its old Chardonnay vines and unusual mix of disparate soils, Ritchie Vineyard is home to Ramey's 20 rows, planted in 1972. Part of this selection includes Old Wente Clone. "We have worked with the same 20 rows since 2002," says Claire Ramey. This wine exudes a beautiful floral lift, while the palate is nothing short of a steel beam of intensity, softened by a juicy core. Layers of citrus peel, apricot, and poached pear unfold, leading to a fabulous sprinkling of crunchy sea salt on the finish. One of the most food-friendly wines in the lineup, it demands pairing with rich fish or chicken dishes. Mineral intensity lingers long on the finish, reinforcing its precision and structure." 

Vinous, 94 Points 

"The 2022 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is fabulous. A Chardonnay of stature and textural finesse, the 2022 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 Advocate, 94 Points 

"The 2022 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard comes from Old Wente and a few Musqué selection vines planted in 1972 on gravelly, sandy Goldridge loam. The grapes were harvested on August 20, before the devastating Labor Day heat wave. The wine was barrel-fermented, underwent full malolactic conversion and was matured for 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels. It has layered aromas of peach, apricot, panna cotta, matchstick and citrus blossoms. The palate features concentrated, spicy flavors matched by well-integrated new oak. It's balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a long, dynamic finish. Powerful yet energetic, it will benefit from several years in the cellar." 

Wine Spectator, 94 Points 

"A complex white, with lemon tart, candied ginger and tangerine notes that are fresh and juicy, plus dried lemongrass, preserved lemon, lime zest, yuzu, pomelo and green tea accents. The mouthwatering core is generous. Long finish. Drink now through 2039." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"Ritchie Vineyard has been called a “California Grand Cru Chardonnay Vineyard” by Wine Enthusiast. These are some of the oldest Chardonnay plantings in California. These old, gnarly trunked vines produce small clusters with distinct “hen and chick” berry sizes. We’ve 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." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.