Reviews & Ratings

2016 Flanagan Chardonnay "Ritchie Vineyard"

Winery: Flanagan

Vintage: 2016

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Ritchie Vineyard"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $68

Cases produced: 120

KWG Score: 93.3 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: July 27, 2020

Wine Review: This golden yellow colored Chardonnay from the Richie Vineyard is the fullest of the last four vintages. It opens with a pear bouquet with notes of pineapple, caramel and vanilla. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, nicely balanced, viscous, smooth and rich. The flavor profile is a golden delicious apple and oak blend with notes of gentle lemon verbena. I also detected hints of pineapple, honey and minerality. The finish is dry and its flavors and acidity drifts away nicely. This Chardonnay would pair well with Gibbet Hill's crispy potato-crusted cod with sweet corn and bacon chowder. Cheers. - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2016 Flanagan Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard was barrel fermented in 50% new French oak and aged sur lie in barrel for 11 months. This wine displays the classic Ritchie Vineyard attributes of rich, lush texture with great acidity. The palate offers Bartlett pear notes and ripe citrus. The minerality unique to the volcanic soils of this legendary Sonoma County vineyard completes the palate.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Flanagan 2016 Ritchie Chardonnay.