Maritana Vineyards 'La Riviere' Chardonnay 2020 750ml

Product Info

95pts Wine Advocate
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. Drink Date: 2023 – 2030 Published: Oct 19, 2023 Reviewed by: Erin Brooks

Terroir
Maritana Vineyards’ “La Rivière” Chardonnay is sourced from a cool-climate vineyard site in Sonoma County, where proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the influence of river corridors create an ideal environment for refined, acid-driven Chardonnay. The site experiences regular fog intrusion and cooling breezes that slow ripening and extend hang time, allowing grapes to develop aromatic complexity while preserving natural acidity.

The soils are composed primarily of gravelly loam and sandy alluvial deposits, providing excellent drainage and encouraging deep root systems. These conditions naturally limit vigor and promote concentration without excess weight. The 2020 vintage in Sonoma offered warm, steady conditions balanced by cool nights, producing fruit with ripeness and depth while retaining freshness and structural precision.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
“La Rivière” Chardonnay is crafted with a minimalist philosophy that emphasizes balance, texture, and site expression. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and whole-cluster pressed to preserve purity. Fermentation is carried out in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new, using native yeasts to enhance complexity and nuance.

The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation, contributing a creamy mid-palate and integrated texture. Extended aging on the lees builds richness and mouthfeel, while careful barrel selection ensures that oak influence remains subtle and supportive. The overall approach favors elegance and restraint, resulting in a Chardonnay that is layered and expressive without overt heaviness.

Tasting Notes
The 2020 “La Rivière” Chardonnay opens with a refined and inviting aromatic profile. Notes of ripe pear, yellow apple, and white peach are layered with citrus zest, lemon curd, and a delicate floral lift. Subtle secondary aromas of toasted almond, hazelnut, and light vanilla emerge with air, adding complexity without overshadowing the fruit.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a beautifully integrated texture. Flavors of stone fruit, baked apple, and Meyer lemon unfold across a creamy yet precise mid-palate, supported by bright, well-defined acidity. A mineral undertone—suggestive of wet stone and river gravel—adds tension and length, balancing the wine’s natural richness.

The finish is long and composed, lingering with citrus oil, gentle spice, and a faint saline note. The wine shows excellent balance between fruit, acidity, and oak, offering both immediate appeal and the structure for continued development.

Food Pairing & Service
Maritana Vineyards “La Rivière” Chardonnay 2020 is well suited to a range of elegant, savory dishes. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken with lemon and herbs, butter-poached seafood, or seared scallops, where its acidity and texture complement richness. Cream-based pasta dishes, mushroom risotto, and roasted vegetables also highlight the wine’s depth and complexity.

Serve at 50–54°F (10–12°C) in a Burgundy-style white wine glass to emphasize aromatics and texture. While enjoyable upon opening, a brief period of air enhances integration. The wine will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years, developing additional nutty and savory nuances with time.