2023
Lithology
Ritchie Vineyard

Chardonnay

A cool climate Chardonnay from the northwest facing slopes of the Russian River Valley, our Chardonnay reflects the marine influences, vine age, and soil composition of the Ritchie Vineyard. Vines dating back to 1972 are intermingled with more recent plantings, providing a complex wine with natural minerality and a lengthy finish. Extremely limited in production, this Chardonnay is aged for 22 months in a combination of new and neutral French oak barrels, providing a balanced wine with a pure expression of the terroir.

Vineyard

Producing exceptional quality Chardonnay in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the Ritchie Vineyard is renowned for its old vines, unique soil composition, and natural minerality. The gentle slopes are northwest facing with tufa and sandy Goldridge soils, and a cool climate influenced by the fog and coastal breezes. This vineyard has been tended by Kent Ritchie for over 50 years and vines dating back to 1972 are intermingled with vines from more recent decades, creating a field blend of ages and a concentration of flavors and complexity.

2023 Lithology Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay Matt Sands, Lithology Winemaker

Technical Details

Blend100% Chardonnay
AppellationRussian River Valley
Harvest DateSeptember 19, 2023 and September 25, 2023
Alcohol14.0%
Production120 cases

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck

"Exotic stone fruits, tart apricot, white flowers, gin-like herbs, and chalky minerality all emerge from the 2023 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard, which comes from a brilliant site in Sonoma and old vines planted by DuMol. Aged 20 months in 30% new French puncheons, with the balance in neutral French barrels, it's medium-bodied and offers clean, juicy acidity with perfect balance and outstanding length." - Dec 2025