Arista Winery - Chardonnay "Ritchie Vineyard" 2021 (750ml)
Price: $110.99
| Producer | Arista Winery |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 202925 |
| Size | 750ml |
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100 Points by Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck
It’s a stunner in the glass, with loads of layered depth and complexity, and it checks a ton of boxes. The nose opens to luxurious aromas of white peach, citrus blossoms, marzipan, wet stone minerality, and citrus oils. Full-bodied, the palate gains fantastic glycerol richness while staying light on its feet, with seamless acidity and a long finish. Its oak spice frames the wine with precision, giving it a refined, polished feel and offering a Grand Cru-esque sensibility.
Arista Winery Description
Arista Winery was founded by Al and Janis McWilliams in 2002 with a mission to craft artisanal, site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. From the beginning, the McWilliams have firmly believed that the finest examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are produced in small lots. This belief has led to an emphasis on quality over quantity and a determination to discover and develop unique vineyard sites that reflect the distinct characteristics of the Russian River Valley. Arista is committed to sustainable farming practices. They work closely with local growers who share the dedication to sustainability in Arista carries out in their vineyards. Very little is done to manipulate the vineyard sites but instead strive to preserve each vineyard's natural qualities.
Simply put Kent Ritchie is an icon. Since the early 1970's few vineyard sites in California have produced such consistently profound and distinct wines as the Ritchie Vineyard. Through tireless farming and uncompromising standards Kent has developed a devout following of winemakers and consumer alike. The Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay is one of our most sought after bottlings for very good reason.
Ritchie Vineyard is without a doubt one of California’s Grand Cru Chardonnay sites. For nearly 50 years, Kent Ritchie has cultivated this unique slope in the Russian River Valley, yielding legendary wines. We’re privileged to work with the vineyard’s oldest and highest block, one of the earliest Chardonnay plantings in the area. These ancient vines produce small but intense clusters annually, resulting in consistently balanced, intense, and poised wines.
Tasting Note: The Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay is a rich, layered wine. On the nose, the wine displays aromas of wet granite, brioche, orange blossom, lemon oil, grilled pineapple, and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is silky and rich, with notes of pear nectar, lemon butter, mango, and panna cotta. The wine has an intensity that builds on the palate for several seconds, peaking with a stony mineral note. This Chardonnay has incredible density and length, with layers of flavors unfolding on the palate for a full minute.
James Suckling: 98 Points
Extremely focused and energetic nose of sliced limes and Meyer lemons with lemongrass. Some stone and hints of flint. Full-bodied with superb density and structure and phenolics that you can feel. It goes on for minutes. Slightly chewy at the end.
Wine Advocate: 95 Points
The 2021 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard comes from 50-year-old Wente clone vines planted in powdery Goldridge soils. It has pure, singular aromas that segue from oyster shell and saline to richer tones of quince paste, panna cotta, chamomile, honeysuckle, beeswax and almonds. The medium-bodied palate is expansive and mouth coating with Goldilocks ripeness and alluring savory undertones, and its focused acidity calls you back for another delicious sip.
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