2009 Chardonnay Ritchie
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Tasting notes
From a cooler growing season, the 2009 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard was matured for 20 months in at least 50% new oak—David Ramey says back in 2009, he picked a touch riper and utilized more new oak than he does today. As it airs in the glass, it releases scents of peach, panna cotta, crème brûlée and honey. The medium-bodied palate is mouth coating with generous, honey-nut flavors, bright acidity and a long, flavorful finish. This 15-year-old Chardonnay is fully mature and will hold in the cellar for at least five more years.
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(14.9%; 7.2 grams per liter acidity, vs. 6.2 for the 2010): Stunning smoky reduction in a Burgundy way, with the subdued nose showing sexy iodiney minerality as the wine opens in the glass. Intensely flavored, soil-driven wine with a distinctly saline quality to its wonderfully sweet orchard fruit, spice and mineral flavors. Perhaps a bit chunkier than the 2009 Hyde Vineyard bottling but the chewy, salty, rising finish leaves the salivary glands humming. Perfect now after some aeration.
Yellow-gold. Aromas of orange zest, quince and honeysuckle, with subtle spiciness and a touch of anise in the background. Juicy and intensely fruity, with tangy acidity bracing an array of citrus and orchard fruit flavors. The orange and spice notes carry through on the long finish.
The 2009 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard shows off a multitude of aromas, flavors and textures. It is a gorgeous, multi-dimensional wine endowed with weightless elegance and definition. Lemon, pastry, white flowers and crushed rocks wrap around the insistent finish. In 2009 the Ritchie is all about subtlety, elegance and finesse.