2005 Chardonnay Ritchie
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard has a deep golden color and mature aromatic layers of candied peaches, mushroom powder, decaying leaves, honey, toast and candle smoke. Medium-bodied, the palate is silky and fresh, with an intense peachy core and an expansive, honeyed finish.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(done in two-thirds new François Frères barrels): Bright, full yellow. Aromas of soft citrus fruits, ginger, butter and minerals, plus an intriguing whiff of goat cheese. At once more energetic and creamier than the 2006, offering impressive volume to its tactile flavors of musky stone and citrus fruits, flowers and sexy oak. Not a thick or heavy style but impressively chewy nonetheless. Finishes with noteworthy verve. This wine has been fully open for business for a while now but still has life ahead of it.
The 2005 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard has aged beautifully. Honey, almonds, smoke, mint, orange zest and burnt sugar blossom in a rich, textured Chardonnay that is peaking today. This is a gorgeous example of fine, aged California Chardonnay at its best.
Bright yellow. Stunningly complex bouquet offers ripe citrus and orchard fruits, smoky minerals, saffron, white flowers and anise. Deeply concentrated but suave and fresh, with energetic pear and tangerine flavors complicated by anise and chalky minerality. This reaches every nook and cranny of the palate, delivering serious flavor impact. The finish refuses to let go, with the smoke and anise qualities repeating.