2003 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Hazy, full yellow-gold. Superripe aromas of pineapple, apricot, lemon cream and exotic spices. Concentrated, thick flavors of tropical fruits firmed by an edge of acidity. Began a bit salty and phenolic but grew fresher and showed more minerality as it opened in the glass. A bit edgy on the aftertaste. From an old Wente clone planted in Kent Ritchie's Poplar Vineyard.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2003 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast (basically made from an old Wente Chardonnay clone of 30-year-old vines planted in the Ritchie Vineyard) is great stuff. A full-bodied, honeyed nose of pastry, lemon butter, and orange marmalade is followed by a wine with wonderful stuffing, richness, texture, full body, and a Burgundy-like minerality. The good news is there are 700 cases of this stunning effort. (Release date 10/05) Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786