Julien Fayard 2021 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay

This is the first Julien Fayard Wines release from the legendary Ritchie Vineyard, and it is spectacular. Racy and intense, this Chardonnay offers deep aromatic complexity with crisp acidity and elegant fruit. The fragrant nose brings aromas of golden orchard fruit, poached quince, honey and beeswax, with delicate traces of mace and fresh hay. In the mouth, ripe Anjou pears and golden apples share a bright Granny Smith acidity and stony mineral backbone. Layers of ground ginger and lovely sweet citrus gain warm notes of baking spice on the midpalate, lingering through the fresh finish of lemon and wildflower honey.