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2010

Chardonnay

Ritchie Vineyard,
Russian River Valley

The old vines of Ritchie Vineyard produce an intriguing, complex chardonnay that achieves a fine balance of intensity and elegance. Bright golden in color, the wine exhibits an exotic nose of white peach, lemon blossom and Asian pear. Lemon meringue, toasted brioche and fresh apple shine in this harmonious wine. Wet slate and crisp acidity linger on the palate.

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(92-94) Points
Wine Advocate

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Harvest Date September 30

Growing Season 2010 began with a wet winter and spring across Sonoma County. Summer was cool, though as harvest approached temperatures rose. Our pinot noir and chardonnay ripened fully and evenly, allowing sugars and acid to develop in balance. The wines from 2010 are bright, expressive and elegant.

Winemaking

• Hand-harvested grapes
• Whole cluster, direct to press, cold
• Barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts; 4 months to completion
• Concurrent spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
• Aged 12 months in French oak barrels; 67% new
• Aged sur lies; biweekly bâtonnage
• Unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2012