When you shake hands with Kent Ritchie, the impression is immediate – authenticity. A walk through his chardonnay vineyard inspires the same feeling. The Old Wente clone vines planted in 1973 earned a reputation for quality early on and continue today to be a highly-esteemed source for Russian River Valley chardonnay fruit.
Site
Slopping hillside, south west sun exposure
Soil
Shallow mixture of volcanic pumice and sub-class of goldridge.
Climate
The Russian River Valley climate is defined by its proximity to the ocean, and is bordered by the Russian River and the Mayacamas mountains. Coastal breezes bring cooling fog through the Petaluma wind gap in the morning and evening, balancing the afternoon heat enjoyed in this appellation. This temperature differential creates excellent conditions to grow chardonnay and pinot noir.
