Ramey Chardonnay Russian River Valley Ritchie Vineyard 2017

95+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "Seeing the standard 20 months in 20% new French oak, the 2017 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard comes from one of the Grand Cru sites in the Russian River Valley. It has remarkable purity and elegance to go with ample richness (which is the hallmark of this site) as well as notes of ripe lemon and citrus fruits, lots of spice and crushed rock-like minerality, medium to full-bodied richness, and a great finish. It's up with the top Chardonnay in the vintage but needs 2-3 years of bottle age. It's going to be drinking brilliantly at age 15. Drink: 2022-2032. (5/21/20)"

94 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2017 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard is perfumed with soft white blossoms, quince, beeswax and a nutty undercurrent. Medium-bodied and super silky, it expands to perfumed peachy fruit in the mouth, segueing to bright acidity and nutty nuances on the very long, energetic finish. 683 cases produced. Drink: 2020-2027. (Jul 2020)"

94 points International Wine Report: "Another spectacular showing from David Ramey in this vintage is the Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay. This Chardonnay is old Wente selection which comes from old, gnarly trunked vines that are planted to gravelly, sandy Goldridge Loam, originating from the bed of an ancient inland sea, over volcanic Tuff rock which produce small clusters with distinct “hen and chick” berry sizes. The wine itself spent 20 months in 20% new French oak barrels and it opens to aromas of fresh sliced apples, lemon oil, white flowers, verbena, peach skin and subtle hints of a wet stoney mineral character that all take shape. On the palate this possesses a gorgeus rich texture and seamless mouthfeel, with outstanding overall balance of fruit and acidity keeping it fresh and vibrant through the finsh. This is a stunning Chardonnay from Ramey which is drinking beautifully today, yet also clearly shows its potential to evolve and become even more compelling over the course of the decade. Drink: 2020-2030. (May 2020)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard needs a bit of time in bottle to be at its most expressive. It shows fine depth, creaminess and energy, but the elements are not all put together just yet. Light apricot, butter and floral notes hint at what is to come. Drink: 2021-2027. (Apr 2020)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Vividly spicy, with concentrated baked pear, apple pastry and dried apricot flavors, backed by glistening acidity. Lemon meringue and quince paste notes fill the rich finish. Best from 2021 through 2025. 683 cases made. (8/31/20)"

93 points CellarTracker.com community score.

Producer notes: "Our Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay walks the fine line between richness and delicacy. It has a complex and harmonious mouthfeel that balances power with elegance. 683 cases. Alcohol 14.5%."