Solitude Vineyards, 2004 Chardonnay

Richard Litsch began Solitude as a hobby when he was working at Chalone vineyards. His focus is on direct sales in California to restaurants and specialty retailers. He personally handles all sales calls, and often delivers the wine himself (he was in Joseph George, the day I bought this bottle). Solitude produces about 5000 cases of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir each year. This wine reminds me of the Rombauer Chardonnays of old, buttery, soft fruit textures, heavily oak’d, with a firm full taste. Well worth the price, which is very modest.