Winemaker's Notes:
There might be no wine in our portfolio that subtly shows the uniqueness of vintage as well as the Dutton Ranch Chardonnay. 2010 was a rollercoaster season with a cold wet spring and an incessantly foggy summer and fall with interspersed huge heat spikes. The result was a greatly diminished crop of concentrated berries in our old vine Chardonnays, and a wine with elegant citrus fruit, floral aromatics, and a freshness so representative of our neighborhood. The attractiveness of the wine is apparent immediately in the glass with its subtle golden straw color, and nose of lemon curd, sweet cream and tangerine. It is a wine that leads with delicacy, but at the same time promises concentration. In the mouth, the concentration comes through with juicy Meyer lemon fruit and overtones of mango and ginger. The wine shows richness and perceived viscosity that comes from great fruit and careful lees contact, then finishes with refreshing citrus/sourball fruit that leaves you wanting more. This is a perfect wine for sipping on the deck, or pairing with cheeses, seafood or poultry with creamy sauces.
Reviews
Wine Spectator 87 Points
Complex if on a lighter scale, with rich citrus, tangerine and honeydew melon flavors that are pure, clean and delicate. Drink now through 2018. 2,336 cases made.–JL
