2021 Arista "Ritchie Vineyard" Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Planted in the mid-1970s on all Goldridge soils, the 2021 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard comes from the highest blocks at the top of this esteemed vineyard and was aged in 40% new French oak barrels. It’s a stunner in the glass, with loads of layered depth and complexity. and it checks a ton of boxes. The nose opens to luxurious aromas of white peach, citrus blossoms, marzipan, wet stone minerality, and citrus oils. Full-bodied, the palate gains fantastic glycerol richness while staying light on its feet, with seamless acidity and a long finish. Its oak spice frames the wine with precision, giving it a refined, polished feel and offering a Grand Cru-esque sensibility. This is an outstanding wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years. (AF)