Winemaker's Notes:
A blend of five of our favorite Dutton Ranch chardonnay vineyards in Russian River Valley. The warm spring, classic foggy nights and warm days of the 2009 summer, and long, cool ripening season gave us fantastic flavor development in our chardonnays. Due to its old vine origin, the Dutton Ranch Chardonnay might be our most consistent offering, but this exceptional vintage amps up the candied Myer lemon and tangerine fruit characters, while maintaining the fresh acidity and moderate alcohol that have always carried this wine. In the nose, it's a veritable citrus and tropical fruit basket, with caramel and toffee overtones. At the same time, its wonderful freshness and minerality in the mouth balances the promised lushness. Tangerine and pear fruit lead, along with a creaminess and nutmeg note that comes from perfectly ripe fruit and the stirred barrels. This wine offer a wonderful combination of softness and focus that carries through to the lingering citrus and green apple finish. I love just sipping this wine, but it's also perfect with roast chicken or just about any fish dish.
Reviews
Wine Spectator 87 Points
This medium-weight white shows ripe, delicate pear, melon and citrus notes that are clean and refreshing, ending on a somewhat simpler note, with touches of hazelnut and spice. Drink now through 2014. 3,122 cases made.–JL
