Montagu
Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Shimmering in the glass like freshly polished brass, every other element in this wine shines as brightly too. The nose is deep, supple, and rich with ripe apples, honeysuckle and baking spices. The palate spans a full and opulent array of flavors, combining butter baked pear, violets and hints of ginger, along with a gorgeous mouth-coating intensity, all without being too heavy.
Shimmering in the glass like freshly polished brass, every other element in this wine shines as brightly too. The nose is deep, supple, and rich with ripe apples, honeysuckle and baking spices. The palate spans a full and opulent array of flavors, combining butter baked pear, violets and hints of ginger, along with a gorgeous mouth-coating intensity, all without being too heavy.
Feb 5th, 2021“From the world class Ritchie Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley this Chardonnay is rich, powerful, and driven by layers of white peach, candied orange peel and lemon curd. Brightness balances the wine and is a hallmark of classic Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay. This wine was fermented in French barrels and spent a year in barrel leading to wonderfully balanced oak integration while sur lee aging developed depth and complexity.”
“From the world class Ritchie Vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley this Chardonnay is rich, powerful, and driven by layers of white peach, candied orange peel and lemon curd. Brightness balances the wine and is a hallmark of classic Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay. This wine was fermented in French barrels and spent a year in barrel leading to wonderfully balanced oak integration while sur lee aging developed depth and complexity.”
Dec 28th, 2020Yummy stuff. It’s like leaving the prom with the Prom Queen.... 🤣🤣✌🏼✌🏼😊
Yummy stuff. It’s like leaving the prom with the Prom Queen.... 🤣🤣✌🏼✌🏼😊
Nov 22nd, 2020
new by the glass at the restaurant
new by the glass at the restaurant
1 person found it helpfulAug 13th, 2019
Today was my annual hosting of the Wednesday Wine Committee. There was 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert, all provided by me. Tasted blind, as always.
White number 2. I won’t rate as I’ve mentioned before that the owner and winemaker has become a close friend. That being said, this received some high compliments. I served this blind alongside a 2016 Bevan Ritchie Chardonnay (same vintage, same vineyard, and RBevan consults on Montagu’s wines) and the nose on this beat the Bevan. Huge and powerful Cali chard, it had this incredible note of smoked cream puff/marshmallow. Absolutely lovely. The palate showed more of those savory notes, but I didn’t get a lot of signature Ritchie vineyard nuttiness. Almond brioche, old lemon pie, and even a waxy trait. Probably best enjoyed in the near term and a total knockout right now. Need to get some more. Most guessed Aubert Chardonnay.
Today was my annual hosting of the Wednesday Wine Committee. There was 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert, all provided by me. Tasted blind, as always.
White number 2. I won’t rate as I’ve mentioned before that the owner and winemaker has become a close friend. That being said, this received some high compliments. I served this blind alongside a 2016 Bevan Ritchie Chardonnay (same vintage, same vineyard, and RBevan consults on Montagu’s wines) and the nose on this beat the Bevan. Huge and powerful Cali chard, it had this incredible note of smoked cream puff/marshmallow. Absolutely lovely. The palate showed more of those savory notes, but I didn’t get a lot of signature Ritchie vineyard nuttiness. Almond brioche, old lemon pie, and even a waxy trait. Probably best enjoyed in the near term and a total knockout right now. Need to get some more. Most guessed Aubert Chardonnay.
Thank you Shay @Shay A for Sharing a beauty with us!
Light and crisp with a touch of oak. Awesome afternoon Chardonnay to follow the SB that we just killed 👏👏🙌!!
Thank you Shay @Shay A for Sharing a beauty with us!
Light and crisp with a touch of oak. Awesome afternoon Chardonnay to follow the SB that we just killed 👏👏🙌!!
No secret that I’m a fan of Weston’s wines, and I think he’s really got a knack for Chardonnay. I’m excited for his upcoming high end sparkling project that he’s partnered with Russell Bevan for. No score as I’m biased toward these.
When reviewing my notes from the 2016, this has less of a sweet/smoked cream marshmallow note aromatically, but more of a savory cashew/almond skin (maybe a bit more true to Ritchie vineyard). The palate was fairly similar to the 2016 but retained an even deeper core of herbed yellow fruit…great back and forth of honeyed mango and grilled lemon…some herbs, then citrus zest. Complex. The finish here is lengthy with great texture. Another beautiful Chardonnay from Weston’s Montagu label.
No secret that I’m a fan of Weston’s wines, and I think he’s really got a knack for Chardonnay. I’m excited for his upcoming high end sparkling project that he’s partnered with Russell Bevan for. No score as I’m biased toward these.
When reviewing my notes from the 2016, this has less of a sweet/smoked cream marshmallow note aromatically, but more of a savory cashew/almond skin (maybe a bit more true to Ritchie vineyard). The palate was fairly similar to the 2016 but retained an even deeper core of herbed yellow fruit…great back and forth of honeyed mango and grilled lemon…some herbs, then citrus zest. Complex. The finish here is lengthy with great texture. Another beautiful Chardonnay from Weston’s Montagu label.
