On the road to Chardonnay perfection, the 2012 Chateau Boswell Ritchie is ultra-smooth and opulent, featuring a symphony of ripe tropical fruit flavors balanced by a sense of harmony and class only found in California’s blue chip Chardonnays (e.g. Morlet and Pahlmeyer). This Chardonnay offers notes of nectarine intertwined with vanilla, minerals, lemon oil, and honeysuckle as well as remarkable delineation for its massive size. Captivating hints of caramel and Hawaiian macadamia nuts come alive on the dazzling finish that is still relatively restrained as of this writing. This ultra-impressive new Chardonnay is 100% unfiltered and aged in French Oak with indigenous wild yeast for 19 months. The result is a powerhouse effort that combines the age-ability of the finest “grand cru” Burgundy with the full throttle Russian River fruit serious collectors will adore.  Aging potential for 5 – 7 years, peaking around 2019 in our estimate. That said, pop the cork on a bottle now and enjoy after decanting (seriously; it benefits young white wines also!) for a half hour.

Chateau Boswell Winery

In 1979 R. Thornton Boswell founded Chateau Boswell and under the direction of André Tchelistcheff began producing Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1997 Susan and RT Boswell planted the estate hillside vineyard in virgin soils that continue to be maintained organically. The Chateau Boswell caves, 65 feet below the estate hillside vineyard, were designed by Susan to green building specifications with the desire to continue to be responsible stewards of the land, reducing the impact upon the environment through green business practices which reduce energy and water use. As the first certified Napa Green Winery, Chateau Boswell continues to preserve and protect the Napa Valley through their practices and through their active participation in support of sustainable initiatives.