2003 Londer Kent Ritchie Chardonnay

Londer Vineyards is in the Anderson Valley, about 120 miles north of San Francisco in Mendocino County. The estate includes 15 acres of Pinot Noir and an acre of Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. It was founded in the late 1990s by Larry and Shirlee Londer after Larry retired from a career as an ophthalmologist. Greg LaFollette was winemaker for the first vintages, and in 2005 Rick Davis became winemaker. The estate is known for its Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, as well as sweet and dry Gewurztraminers. Robert M. Parker Jr. has complimented the estate’s “impressive efforts.”

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.