DuMOL
Chloe Ritchie-Lorenzo Old Vines Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Wednesday Wine Committee hosted by Dan. 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert wine. Tasted blind as usual.
This was much lighter than expected, and didn’t have typical Ritchie vineyard aromatics of smoked marshmallows and nuttiness. Many people guessed White burgundy as it wasn’t overly oaked or powerful. I guessed Kistler Durrell based on acidity and the amount of “green” (hay/straw) and white flowers.
Wednesday Wine Committee hosted by Dan. 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert wine. Tasted blind as usual.
This was much lighter than expected, and didn’t have typical Ritchie vineyard aromatics of smoked marshmallows and nuttiness. Many people guessed White burgundy as it wasn’t overly oaked or powerful. I guessed Kistler Durrell based on acidity and the amount of “green” (hay/straw) and white flowers.
A new producer for us, purchased direct from the winery.
Nose displays pears, white flowers, and the slightest hint of volatility. The palate is muscular and demonstrates urgency when it hits the mid-palate. Powerful, zippy acidity gives way to honeycomb notes, without the sweetness. The finish is mineral-driven, with very little detectable oak treatment. Chablis lovers should take a good look at this example.
A new producer for us, purchased direct from the winery.
Nose displays pears, white flowers, and the slightest hint of volatility. The palate is muscular and demonstrates urgency when it hits the mid-palate. Powerful, zippy acidity gives way to honeycomb notes, without the sweetness. The finish is mineral-driven, with very little detectable oak treatment. Chablis lovers should take a good look at this example.
Not a Chardonnay kind of drinker, but this one is outstanding & drinking well!
Not a Chardonnay kind of drinker, but this one is outstanding & drinking well!
Mar 24th, 2023I think this is probably one of the best domestic chardonnays I've ever had. This wine has excellent acidity, full body, lemongrass, poached apple tart, white flowers, a little bit of brioche But really not as rounded as I know Ritchie can be. The middle of this wine is explosive. Enjoyed this with Guido's to go, pan sauteed mahi mahi with crab meat, crawfish bisque, and grilled oysters were the perfect accoutrement. I'm sure drinking this about 150 ft away from the shoreline probably didn't hurt my interpretation. The structure of this is incredible, am sure It will hold another dozen years. But it is in an awesome spot right now.
I think this is probably one of the best domestic chardonnays I've ever had. This wine has excellent acidity, full body, lemongrass, poached apple tart, white flowers, a little bit of brioche But really not as rounded as I know Ritchie can be. The middle of this wine is explosive. Enjoyed this with Guido's to go, pan sauteed mahi mahi with crab meat, crawfish bisque, and grilled oysters were the perfect accoutrement. I'm sure drinking this about 150 ft away from the shoreline probably didn't hurt my interpretation. The structure of this is incredible, am sure It will hold another dozen years. But it is in an awesome spot right now.
Oct 1st, 2020
Delicious RRV Chardonnay. Stone fruits and a bit of apricot with great structure, balance and an excellent finish. Drinking well now, but may improve slightly over the next year or two. Bravo!
Delicious RRV Chardonnay. Stone fruits and a bit of apricot with great structure, balance and an excellent finish. Drinking well now, but may improve slightly over the next year or two. Bravo!
Mar 7th, 2020Very nice Chardonnay. At Poseidon with Family December 2018
Very nice Chardonnay. At Poseidon with Family December 2018
Dec 24th, 2018
Excellent. Despite its youth, oak isn't too much and it's a great balance of fruit acidity and oak.
Excellent. Despite its youth, oak isn't too much and it's a great balance of fruit acidity and oak.
Jun 24th, 2017
Label says Syrah, title and reviews are for the Chardonnay.
Label says Syrah, title and reviews are for the Chardonnay.
Aug 4th, 2019
