We popped a bottle of this when it arrived, and it is a fantastic example of California Chardonnay. Noticeably cool climate but with the fruit to back it up, which is what domestic European-inspired wines often miss. A great expression of some fresh citrus, green apple, anjou pear, white flowers, some wet rocks, and a touch of wild herbs and creme fraiche. The palate has an immediate rush of fresh fruits with impressive middleweight flavors and bright acidity that gives ample lift. A suave mouthfeel flows into a lingering finish of dry extract, green apple, lemon zest, and a bit of minerality. It's a knockout at $29.99 and better than many of the Domestic Chardonnays and a few imports we have tasted recently that were twice the price or more.
We have closeout pricing today on the 2020 Maritana Vineyards La Rivière Chardonnay, which exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of Donald Patz, a seasoned vintner with over three decades of experience in Sonoma's Russian River Valley. Established in 2017 after he sold his partnership with Patz & Hall. Maritana Vineyards focuses exclusively on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourcing grapes from premier vineyards in the region. This Chardonnay sees a nice dollop of fruit from the Shop Block 1967 Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, which, as the name suggests, was planted in 1967 and is one of the coldest sites in Sonoma. It also sees fruit from the Ritchie Vineyard's "Don P Block," which is considered the best block in the vineyard (Dumol sources fruit from here, too), as well as fruit from the Martaella Vineyard, which is another great Russian River Valley vineyard. The raw materials here are excellent, and this is a California Chardonnay that shows a bit more classic restraint and is not only about the fruit but also has some excellent minerality. It's a fantastic buy at this price, and considering the quality of fruit that goes into it, plus the nice note from Wine Advocate, it's a no-brainer for fans of new and old-world Chardonnay.
Wine Advocate (Erin Brooks) 95 points! "The 2020 Chardonnay La Rivière, matured in used oak, is scented of Meyer lemon, matchstick, roasted almonds and vanilla. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with honeyed fruit balanced by surprisingly energetic acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish. Drink it over the next 3-5 years for its plush, generous character. 1,155 cases produced."
2020 Maritana Chardonnay La Riviere
2020 Maritana Chardonnay La Riviere
We popped a bottle of this when it arrived, and it is a fantastic example of California Chardonnay. Noticeably cool climate but with the fruit to back it up, which is what domestic European-inspired wines often miss. A great expression of some fresh citrus, green apple, anjou pear, white flowers, some wet rocks, and a touch of wild herbs and creme fraiche. The palate has an immediate rush of fresh fruits with impressive middleweight flavors and bright acidity that gives ample lift. A suave mouthfeel flows into a lingering finish of dry extract, green apple, lemon zest, and a bit of minerality. It's a knockout at $29.99 and better than many of the Domestic Chardonnays and a few imports we have tasted recently that were twice the price or more.
We have closeout pricing today on the 2020 Maritana Vineyards La Rivière Chardonnay, which exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of Donald Patz, a seasoned vintner with over three decades of experience in Sonoma's Russian River Valley. Established in 2017 after he sold his partnership with Patz & Hall. Maritana Vineyards focuses exclusively on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourcing grapes from premier vineyards in the region. This Chardonnay sees a nice dollop of fruit from the Shop Block 1967 Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, which, as the name suggests, was planted in 1967 and is one of the coldest sites in Sonoma. It also sees fruit from the Ritchie Vineyard's "Don P Block," which is considered the best block in the vineyard (Dumol sources fruit from here, too), as well as fruit from the Martaella Vineyard, which is another great Russian River Valley vineyard. The raw materials here are excellent, and this is a California Chardonnay that shows a bit more classic restraint and is not only about the fruit but also has some excellent minerality. It's a fantastic buy at this price, and considering the quality of fruit that goes into it, plus the nice note from Wine Advocate, it's a no-brainer for fans of new and old-world Chardonnay.
Wine Advocate (Erin Brooks) 95 points! "The 2020 Chardonnay La Rivière, matured in used oak, is scented of Meyer lemon, matchstick, roasted almonds and vanilla. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with honeyed fruit balanced by surprisingly energetic acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish. Drink it over the next 3-5 years for its plush, generous character. 1,155 cases produced."
