WINEMAKER'S NOTE:
A beautiful bouquet of orange blossom and dried apricot appeals to the senses up front, while layers of citrus and crème brûlée allude to freshness and volume in the mouth. Melon, nectarine, and stone fruit provide supporting aromas. In the mouth, pear and citrus interplay with a touch of spice and butterscotch, almost seeming confectionary and creamy despite the absence of any residual sugar. The finish is fresh with lemon zest and an ocean minerality reminiscent of the Sonoma Coast just to the west, and also of delicious shellfish pairings.
TASTING NOTES:
The 2022 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch comes from more than 30-year-old vines at different Dutton Ranch vineyards, including Mill Station and Walker Hill. Barrel-fermented and matured for 10 months in 40% new French oak, it bursts from the glass with expressive scents of ripe apples, green papaya, jasmine and pie crust. The medium-bodied palate offers a seamless balance of creamy, mouth-coating flavors and bright, juicy acidity, and it has a long, gently flinty finish.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 pts.
Good, bright acidity adds nice balance to this harmonious, buttery-tasting wine from a longtime outstanding winemaker. Golden apple, vanilla bean and tangy citrus flavors make an appetizing blend, while a full body gives a satisfying mouthfeel.
- James Suckling, 92 pts.
Succulent quince, fig and peach flavors are generous and round, with touches of sweet cream and butterscotch, while mouthwatering acidity at the core highlights the notes of lemon curd, orange zest and papaya. Harmonious and complex on the finish. Drink now. 2,500 cases made.
- Wine Spectator, 91 pts.
