Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
If I to pick one Chardonnay in the lineup, it would be the 2016 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard, a vibrant, pure, concentrated beauty that has loads of white flowers, citrus, and salty minerality. With medium to full body, bright acidity, and terrific balance, it has a touch of Chablis-like character (yet on steroids) and is a beautiful complete Chardonnay that can be drunk any time over the coming 10-15 years.
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Wine Spectator
A firm, mineral-filled version, backed by powerful acidity, featuring rich toasty notes to the baked apple and dried pear flavors, with savory touches. Buttery accents emerge on the finish. Best from 2020 through 2025.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.