2002 Chardonnay Ritchie
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Tasting notes
A big, complex effort, the 2002 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard (900 cases) reveals gorgeous aromas of white currants, smoke, orange marmalade, and a stony component that suggests wet gravel. There is zesty acidity, a voluptuous mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish with a striking leesy complexity offering up notes of candle wax and brioche. Drink this stunning effort over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (707) 942-5611; Fax (707) 942-1573
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pale green-gold color. Complex, leesy aromas of peach, apricot, lime and flowers. Hugely rich and penetrating, with intriguing hazelnutty yeast autolysis character. Offers an extraordinary combination of extract and depth of fruit on the one hand and lift and energy on the other. This has a tactile peppery, minerally quality that carries through onto the palate-staining, extremely long finish. From 33-year-old vines. These chardonnays went from barrel into stainless steel tank in September of 2003 and were bottled three months later.
Tasted from magnum, the 2002 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is magical. Rich, creamy and resonant on the palate, the 2002 offers up an exotic mélange of lemon confit, tangerine peel, spice, mint and buttery overtones. A Chardonnay of texture and class, the 2002 is simply magnificent. What a wine!
About the producer
The Aubert wines, particularly the Chardonnay, have a cult following – beloved for their rich, hedonistic style. Created by Mark and Theresa Aubert in 1999, the property makes some of California’s most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from single vineyards across Sonoma.