Legendary for its old Chardonnay vines and unusual mix of disparate soils, Ritchie Vineyard is home to Ramey's 20 rows, planted in 1972. Part of this selection includes Old Wente Clone. œWe have worked with the same 20 rows since 2002,” says Claire Ramey. This wine exudes a beautiful floral lift, while the palate is nothing short of a steel beam of intensity, softened by a juicy core. Layers of citrus peel, apricot, and poached pear unfold, leading to a fabulous sprinkling of crunchy sea salt on the finish. One of the most food-friendly wines in the lineup, it demands pairing with rich fish or chicken dishes. Mineral intensity lingers long on the finish, reinforcing its precision and structure.

The 2023 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is the last iteration of this single vineyard from the Ramey family, who is sourcing more fruit from their estate vineyards and other multigenerational family farms. What a way to go out—it’s intensely perfumed and expressive! It floods the senses with waves of matchstick, peach, pineapple, lemongrass and jasmine. The full-bodied palate is highly concentrated with hedonistic, flint-laced flavors. Its generosity is foiled by racy acidity, and it has a long, shimmery finish.