Ramey certainly one of the best, most stylish Chardonnay-makers in CA. Considered by many to be one of the Russian River Valley’s Grand Cru sites, the Ritchie Vineyard is in high demand by the best of the region’s wineries. The plot allocated to Ramey was planted to Wente selection in 1972. The gnarled vines produce but a few bunches of grapes each year, yet the fruit is consistently excellent due to the combination of sandy benchland soil, a cool microclimate and attentive farming. According to Jeb Dunnuck, the 2017 Ritchie “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.” Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay will pair well with fresh crab or chicken with a mushroom sauce.

Cult California Classic, and now oddly lower-priced than before. Silky Chateauneuf style, great fun. Wine Enthusiast 93/100 A delicate color in the glass, this blend of 56% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 13% Syrah and 1% Petite Sirah pops with bright raspberry, crushed rock, turned earth and lilac aromas on the nose. The palate. is tense with rocky edges and yet zesty with pomegranate and strawberry flavors. Best Buys Wilfred Wong of Wine.com 91/100 ...drinks deliciously. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows up with attractive aromas and flavors of ripe red fruit and savory spices. Pair it with homemade chicken adobo.