We have a beautiful closeout pricing today on the 2020 Maritana Vineyards La Rivière Chardonnay 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 selling 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 has some excellent minerality to it as well. It's a fantastic buy at this pricing 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."