Ramey Wine Cellars Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

96 Points – jebdunnck.com – Reviewed by Audrey Frick

“A deeper straw color, the 2021 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is ripe with delicate incense, ripe white peach, and orange blossom. Medium to full-bodied, it’s long on the palate, with great balance. It’s slightly more forward and exuberant in the glass and has great length along with a terrific finish. I love this wine. Drink 2024-2035”

Ritchie Vineyard is widely spaced, as was the fashion in the early ‘70s. These old, gnarly trunked vines produce small clusters with distinct “hen and chick” berry sizes. Vines are mostly Old Wente selection, with a few scattered Musqué selection vines planted in 1972. Native yeast fermentation and malolactic in barrel with regular battonage. 20 months ageing in 20% new Francois Freres barrels.