VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Ritchie

OwnerKent Ritchie
AppellationRussian River Valley
StoryOwner Kent Ritchie is a self-taught viticulturist who acquired the vineyard two years after it was planted in 1972 to mostly Old Wente Clone. The vineyard is impeccably farmed and many consider it one of the greatest Chardonnay vineyards in the New World. The vineyard site sits on an old volcanic cinder cone so the soils of Goldridge over pumice are unique to the Russian River Valley. Winemakers believe this soil type leads to a special minerality in the Chardonnay wines produced from this vineyard.
Dates Planted1972, 2004
Acres65 (45 Chardonnay, plus some Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir)
LocationThe vineyard sits on a hillside bench in the heart of the Russian River Valley on Eastside Rd in Forestville.
AspectNorthwest facing. Exposed to the cooling effects of coastal fog that burns off in the late morning.
SoilsPrimarily sandy Goldridge speckled with gravel and underlying pumice.
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir
ClonesMartini 13, Wente
RootstockAxR
ManagersKent Ritchie

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Ten Acre Boots Block Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., 200 cases, $38. A blend of Ritchie Vineyard young vines and Big River Ranch Vineyard fruit. · Subdued, but pleasing aromas of citrus, white stone fruits, and a “mineral” character. The flavors echo the aromas with a backbone of virile acidity and a quenching finish of some length. Score: 90. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., $55. September 2018 release. · Sourced from an old vine block previously used by Mark Aubert along with a young vines block. There are probably Ritchie, Hyde and Muscat clones in the vineyard. The aromas of citrus, stone fruits and brioche leap from the glass - Wow! Perfectly balanced and sleek in style, with dreamy flavors of lemon and white peach. One doesn’t think of oak when sampling this beauty. Score: 96. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Montagu Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

15.2% alc., 101 cases, $60. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon zest, buttered toast, warm biscuit and ashtray. Rich, creamy and toasty in the mouth, offering flavors of ripe peach, grilled pineapple, caramel and char. Oak overrides the core of very ripe fruit flavors, the wine lacks acid verve, and there is the slightest sense of alcohol on the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed July 14, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Bevan Cellars Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.6% alc., $65. · Moderately dark golden yellow with a light apricot hue in the glass. Aromas of ash, tobacco and white pepper with no fruit showing up over time. Viscous in the mouth with a richness of ripe flavors including lemon curd, pineapple, ripe apricot, and tropical fruits. Clearly, the fruit was left hanging a long time. Oak-driven flavors of toast and smoke intrude. Somewhat heavy in the mouth, lacking vibrancy, and slightly hot on the finish. No vineyard typicality in this version. Score: 87. Reviewed July 14, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Gary Farrell Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.24, TA 0.66, 95 cases, $65. Harvest Brix 22.0º-23.0º. Harvested in cool morning hours, gently whole cluster pressed, allowed to settled at chilled temperature for 24 hours before inoculating with Montrachet yeast. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, both light and medium toast barrels and 500-L puncheons (Francois Frères, DAMY, Dargaud & Jaegle and Cavin), 35% new for 9 months. Racked off primary lees once before bottling. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Leading off are lovely aromas of delicate flint, lemon custard and lime. Somewhat lean, yet flavorful, offering tastes of lemon-lime, grapefruit, white peach and caramel. Oily on the palate, with plenty of righteous acidity keeping the wine lively and edgy through the clean and quenching finish. Score: 94. Reviewed July 14, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Metzker Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 275 cases, $65. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, white flower blossom and complimentary oak that are quite seductive. This is a wine from happy grapes, showing vivid flavors of lemon, white peach and toast. The texture is suave, there is a congenial grip of acidity, and plenty of aromatic fruit on the very long finish. Still terrific when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle the following day. Score: 95. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Domaine Della Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 125 cases, $70. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Subtle but enchanting aromas of ripe lemon, honey, melon, sea breeze, graphite and smoke. A sophisticated wine featured refined flavors of citrus and pear fruits but speaking more of “minerality.” Focused, with welcome acidic verve, and finishing with lengthy crystalline fruit aromatics. This is one of California’s top Chardonnay vineyards and the wine reflects that pedigree. Score: 94. Reviewed April 14, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Chateau Boswell Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 225 cases, $95. Susan Boswell proprietor and Philippe Melka winemaker. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of lemon zest, apricot, white flower blossom and brioche. Very seductive in the mouth, with a sleek but not viscous mouthfeel, offering flavors of lemon, pineapple, pear and mango with complimentary oak highlights chiming in. Beautifully balanced, with a delightful evanescent finish. A true reflection of the vineyard terroir. Score: 95. Reviewed July 14, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 MacRostie Kent Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., 315 cases, $46, screw cap. Kent Ritchie has farmed his iconic vineyard for nearly 40 years. Wente selection from original 40-year-old plantings and 15- to 20-year old vines. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented and aged on the lees with occasional stirring for 15 months. 15% new French oak. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Soaring aromas of lemon, pineapple, pear, creme brûlée and a hint of slate. Lovely flavors of pear, lemon, pineapple and melon that are both intense and lifted by vibrant acidity. Impeccably composed and balanced, with a slightly viscous mouth feel and a grand finish that really holds on. Goes down like mother’s milk. A special wine from a venerable vineyard and exceptional by any measure. Terrific price to boot. Score: 95. Reviewed January 20, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.63, 210 cases, $55. Wente heritage clone, planted in 1972 and 2004. Yield 3.0 tons per acre. Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. Full malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. This is clearly a special wine from the first whiff and taste. Enticing aromas of lemon creme, white-fleshed fruit, white flower blossoms, honey, and the slightest spice and vanilla pick up intensity over time in the glass. Great polish and balance make for exceedingly easy drinking. Velvety in the mouth without oiliness, offering fresh flavors of lemon, pineapple, coconut, apricot and a subtle compliment of oak peeks from the background. A juicy arrow of sound acidity is at the heart of the wine. The finish is dry and quenching and urges another sip. This wine seduces rather than attacks the senses and is truly Chardonnay nirvana. Score: 97. Reviewed July 14, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Ancient Oak Cellars Reserve Series Kent Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.66, RS <0.1 g/L, 96 cases, $60. Greg La Follette made his first vineyard designated wines twenty years ago from the Kent Ritchie Vineyard. This wine contains grapes from a selection of specific rows. Barrel fermented with native yeast and aged sur lie for 20 months with battonage. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Complex nose offering a perfume of crystallized lemon, prickly pear, white flower bouquet, earthy flora and sea breeze. The onslaught of lemon goodness wakes up the palate on entry and expands through the mid palate. Very harmonious, with a pleasingly viscous texture, offering nuances of spice, nutmeg, vanilla wafer, and buttery caramel. A praiseworthy wine that finishes with uncommon richness for a Chardonnay and literally slides off the back of the palate as it exits. Score: 92. Reviewed February 13, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Ramey Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 898 cases, $65. Released August 2018. Old Wente selection. Harvest Brix 23.8º. Gentle whole cluster pressed. Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentations in barrel with lees stirring. Aged 20 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 21% new. Fined and then bottled after settling without filtration. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Mild reduction upon opening, resolving over time as aromas of lemon-lime and a hint of espresso emerge. Impressive citrus high notes with just a hint of caramelized and toasted oak. Only slightly creamy in the mouth with noticeable persistence on the finish. Adept balance between rich fruit and vibrant acidity. When tasted several hours after opening, this wine really knocked my socks off. Score: 95. Reviewed September 28, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Woodenhead Ritchie Vineyard Cinder Cone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $65. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Leading off are enticing scents of dark cherry and berry and forest floor. Full-bodied in style, with a reaching, expansive core of spiced black cherry fruit that keeps opening and opening in the glass. Richly endowed with fruit sap yet endlessly gentle. Ready now for prime time with ripe, gracious tannins and a very long finish brimming with fruit goodness. Score: 95. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Domaine Della Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.20, TA0.66, 120 cases, $70. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Light golden yellow color with a slight haze in the glass (unfiltered). Engaging aromas of lemon, pineapple, white peach and brioche. The flavors echo the aromas with added tropical fruit, slate and salinity accents. Barrel treatment is unobtrusive, the wine has very enviable vibrancy, and finishes with excellent cut fueled by lemon-citrus goodness. A regal wine from a vineyard that is California Chardonnay royalty. Worth the investment in pleasure. Score: 94. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 MacRostie Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 325 cases, $32, screwcap. Sourced from Ritchie (Old Wente clone) and Mirabel vineyards.Full malolactic fermentation, 9 months of aging with lees stirring in French oak barrels, 22% new. · Light platinum yellow color and clear in the glass. The nose is energized with aromas of baked pear, lemon oil, brioche and a spritz of lime. Appealing flavors of lemon creme pie, lime, vanilla and faint toasty oak are in sync with sound acidity. Straightforward and easy to like with a pleasingly creamy mouthfeel. Score: 89. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Ten Acre Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., $48. The inaugural Chardonnay from Ritchie Vineyard for Ten Acre. A combination of 40-year-old and young vines. · Amazing aromas of exotic stone and tropical fruits with an edgy, stony guise. A beautiful combination of richness from the old vines and aromas and acidity from the young vines. Plenty of viscosity and weight to satisfy, with a sleep texture and appealing harmony. A flat-out exceptional mildly aged wine. Score: 97. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Bevan Cellars Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.6% alc., $65. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Heavily toasted oak dominates the nose which adds aromas of buttery brioche and petrol. Ripely fruited, with flavors of yellow citrus and stone fruits, salted caramel and toast in a full, well-oaked style that made California Chardonnay both famous and infamous. The wine sports a rich and lush mouthfeel and satisfying cut of steely acidity on the finish. Score: 88. Reviewed April 22, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Ramey Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 1,250 cases, $65. Old Wente selection planted in 1972. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Native yeast and full malolactic fermentation in barrel, with lees stirring. Aged 19 months in Francois Frères French oak barrels, 30% new. Fined but not filtered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Enticing aromas of lemon oil, kiwi, green apple, slate and the slightest matchstick. Seductively oily, with fresh flavors of citrus, apple and coconut. Inviting harmony, with the right bit of toasty oak, and some finishing persistence. This wine walks the line between fruit richness and wholesome acidity. Score: 93. Reviewed July 14, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Woodenhead Ritchie Vineyard Cinder Cone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $65. · Dark garnet color in the glass. A Pinot nose to die for, with the perfume of black cherry, spice and rose petal. Nothing is out of place in this mid-weight plus styled beauty offering layers of gregarious dark cherry and purple berry fruits that caress the palate with silkiness. Impeccable harmony and a lengthy finish that provides a juicy citric edge. This wine tastes damn good just like mothers milk. Score: 95. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Woodenhead Ritchie Vineyard Cinder Cone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of black cherry, spice cabinet, floral goodness and seasoned oak. Sleek and comforting in the mouth with reserved tannins and a juicy acid undertone. The mid-weight plus flavors of black cherry, strawberry and cola impress as does the lengthy, sweet cherry finish. Score: 94. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Selection Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc

13.5% alc., pH 3.10, TA 0.66, 222 cases, $25, screwcap. Released May 2014. Sourced from Ritchie Vineyard with harvest Brix of 21.9º. 80% fermented and aged in stainless steel, 20% fermented and aged in neutral French oak barrels. The entire blend was aged 3 months on the primary lees. · Very pale yellow with a tinge of green color in the glass. The nose is vibrant and flush with aromas of tropical fruits, grapefruit and a hint of vanilla. Refreshing, energetic and flavorful, with an array of interesting tastes including lemon-lime, guava, white peach, and the slightest oak. The typical grassiness found in Sauvignon Blanc is present but it is only a subtle signature note. The dry, lemon-driven finish urges another sip. Going back many years, Gary Farrell made a string of outstanding Sauvignon Blanc wines, and this wine upholds that tradition. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Red Car Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.4% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.75, $38. A blend of grapes from five vineyards with Weeks (42%) and Ritchie (28%) making up the highest percentage. Old Wente clone. Harvest Brix 21.9º. Aged in French oak barrels, 3% new and 97% neutral. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of lemon oil, buttery brioche, tarte tartin and nutty oak. Good richness of flavor featuring tastes of lemon creme pie, brown butter and vanilla backed by racy acidity. The intense mid palate attack builds to a focused and bright lemony, slightly tart, lip-smacking finish. Score: 91. Reviewed November 22, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Red Car Ritchie Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.6% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.66, $58. Old Wente clone planted in Goldridge sandy loam. Harvest Brix 22.3º. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 28% new, 72% neutral. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. The aromas are captivating, featuring lemon oil, white peach, butter oak, creme fraiche and flint. Soft on the palate with perfectly integrated acidity enhancing the flavors of lemon, apple, baking spices, and buttered toast. The fruit really stands out for its class, and is on full display on the soprano finish. Score: 94. Reviewed November 22, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Woodenhead Ritchie Vineyard Cinder Cone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of black cherry, dried brush, cardamom spice and dried rose petal. The flavors of well-ripened black cherry and blackberry come together in a mid-weight plus style that benefits from gracious tannins and subtle oak. Easy to like, with excellent harmony and an exuberantly fruity finish. Score: 93. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Arista Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.57, 213 cases, $N/A. Kent Ritchie has owned and farmed his namesake vineyard since the early 1970s. The soils are well-drained Goldridge type and the clones are predominately old Wente selection of Chardonnay. · Mild yellow-gold color and clear in the glass. Highly aromatic with vibrant scents of fresh lemon, baked apple, peach and burnt caramel. Slightly creamy and very flavorful on the palate with tastes of lemon, baked apple, crème brûlée and toasty oak. A fruit-driven wine that still offers some wet stone minerality in the background, especially on the finish. Very enjoyable. Score: 90. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Arista Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.57, 213 cases. Released fall 2013. Aged in 20% 1-year, 60% 2-year and 20% 3-year French oak barrels. One of the Russian River Valley’s iconic vineyards owned and farmed by Kent Ritchie. Located at the intersection of Eastside Road and Trenton Road, the vineyard is exposed to the cooling effect of coastal fog yet receives ample sunlight. Planted primarily to Old Wente selection in 1971-1972. · The same planted selections as the El Diablo, but the wine is noticeably fatter and richer. Vibrant scents of fresh lemon, baked apple, peach and burnt caramel. Slightly creamy, with flavors of lemon, baked apple, peach and spice. Fruit-driven, but still offering wet stone minerality in the background, most evident on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Woodenhead Ritchie Vineyard Cinder Cove Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $65. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, raspberry and subtle oak lead to a tasty palate of cherry fruit with a slight floral accent. This middleweight wine has accommodating finesse, with balanced tannins and some finishing length. Score: 89. Reviewed August 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Woodenhead Ritchie Vineyard Cinder Cone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc.. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, cassis and purple grape with a compliment of seasoned oak. Mid-weight plus in style, with a bombastic core of black cherry fruit backed by mild supportive tannins.Silky in the mouth with a moderately long finish. Impressive fruit presence after ten years and has the balance to drink well for another 5 years at least. Score: 93. Reviewed August 27, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Woodenhead Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 872 cases, $42. Sourced from three vineyards including Buena Tierra and Ritchie. Five clones. Woodenhead’s go-to-wine for everyday drinking. · This wine is true to its Russian River Valley heritage with aromas and flavors of cherries, baking spices and cola. Soft and easy to drink with supple tannins, this wine works beautifully at the nightly dinner table. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Woodenhead Wet Kiss Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 397 cases, $52. First release of this wine comprised of 25% Ritchie Vineyard Martini clone (35 years old), 37.5% Cameron Vineyard Martini clone (30+ years old) and River South Vineyard Swan clone (3 years old). Retailers have avoided this wine because of its name which they consider lacks seriousness but this is a serious wine. It is very popular in the winery tasting room. · Medium reddishpurple color in the glass. Very aromatic featuring hi-tone scents of Bing cherries, baking spice and a hint of vanilla. Moderately light in weight but flavorful offering nicely composed notes of juicy dark cherries and berries with a subtle riff of oakdriven roasted nuts and vanilla, and a finishing thrust of lush cherry reduction sauce. Forward, soft and easy to cozy up to, with bright acidity adding to its refreshing appeal, this wine will have crowd appeal. Good (+). Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL chloe Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 1.130 cases, $60. Released November 2012. Sourced from Ritchie Vineyard, Wente selection. Yield 3 tons per acre from 38- year-old vines. Complete malolactic fermentation and 15 months aging in 50% new French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very expressive nose, offering aromas of lemon blossom, tangerine, croissant and almonds. Soft in the mouth, with plenty of pear, white peach and lemon flavor augmented by minerality. Faint toasty oak frames the wine which leaves a lingering impression on the finish. Did I mention the marvelous mouth feel? Reviewed February 27, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Woodenhead Ritchie Vineyard Cinder Cone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 124 cases, $65. 30 to 35-year-old Pommard and Martini vines. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Aromas of cherry liquor, sassafras, spice and a touch of oak. On lighter side, but with impressive flavor and finishing intensity, offering tastes of black cherries, black raspberries and subtle oak. The sappy fruit core hits all the high notes while the balanced tannins keep the fruit in line. I sense this wine will become even more complex with more time in the bottle. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Aubert Ritchie Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

15.1% alc., $80. · Light straw color and slightly cloudy (unfiltered) in the glass. Considerable oak and malolactic driven aromatics showing scents of butter on toast, baked apple, baking spice, cookie dough, toast and graham. Big and bountiful on the palate with flavors of very ripe white peaches, Asian pears, apple, roasted nuts and spice. Hard to resist if you like a decadent, full-blown style of Chardonnay. A meal by itself. Very good. Reviewed January 11, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Bjørnstad Cellars Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., 129 cases, $40. Release 12/11. · Yellow-straw color with slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass. Appealing aromas of apples, roasted almonds, and subtle butter accent. Delicious core of crisp green apples, marzipan and spice. Discreet but flavorful with bright acidity that drives one to take another sip. A superb rendition from this iconic Russian River Valley Chardonnay vineyard. Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Bjørnstad Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.7% alc., 200 cases, $40, released May 1, 2010. This revered vineyard has been farmed by Kent Ritchie since 1972. The soils are in the Goldridge Series and are well drained, sandy loams. The Bjornstad block is planted to an Old Wente field selection that includes a very floral clone known as Musque. Bjornstad has worked with Kent and his fruit since 1997. · Slight haze in the glass (unfiltered). Shy but pleasing aromas of lemon zest, toffee, vanilla and crushed rock, with a whiff of alcohol peaking out. Rich and full-bodied flavors of golden apple and pears with a bright accent of minerality. There is deft use of oak and a striking creaminess to the texture. The biggest Chardonnay in the lineup and the most Caliesque. This wine will find many hedonistic-seeking fans. Very good. Reviewed May 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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