Winter 2015 was the warmest on record, resulting in early budbreak. Cooler, wetter weather in spring months slowed development, however, leading to a challenging, extended bloom period. The resulting uneven fruit set translated to a small crop and smaller berries with very concentrated flavors. The exceedingly early budbreak resulted in an equally early harvest.

We gently press whole clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After aging 20 months in 21% new French oak barrels (François Frères and Taransaud Beaune), this Chardonnay was fined and settled in tank. It was then bottled without filtration.

Our Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay walks the fine line between richness & delicacy.  It has a complex and harmonious mouthfeel that balances power with elegance.