Description

Located less than a mile west of the town of Graton in Sonoma County, the Dutton Sullivan Vineyard was planted in 1982 to a heritage selection of Wente Chardonnay on its own rootstock. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean the growing season of warm, sunny days followed by cool, foggy evenings allows for a slow and even ripening. The extremely small clusters and berries grown at this vineyard produce wines of remarkable flavor and texture.

A greenish-golden color introduces this luscious Chardonnay. Hints of toasted oats, oak, crushed rock, and citrus fill the glass. Lemon curd, Bosc pear, green apple, and ginger snap mingle in the succulence of this wine. Palate coating, the flavors carry through to a lingering finish that begs to be replenished. Enjoy now or over the next 2 – 4 years.

Oak: 100% French; 33% new oak, 33% twice used and 33% older.
Vineyard: Dutton Sullivan Vineyard
Harvest Dates: October 9, 2012
Bottled: January 30, 2014
Alc: 15.0%
Cases Produced: 78

Reviews

• Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Score: 89

  Hazy, green-tinged gold. Smoke- and mineral-tinged citrus and orchard fruits on the pungent nose. Plush and open-knit on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering bitter pear skin and Meyer lemon flavors and a hint of anise. The smoky quality comes back on the clinging finish, which shows a distinct mineral cast. This bottling weighs in at a full 15% alcohol, which I sense in its texture, not in any undue heat. (JR)

• Wine Spectator Score: 89

  Rich and full-flavored, with candied citrus, green apple, honeydew and white flower scents, ending with a graceful, supple texture. Drink now. 68 cases made. -JL

Techsheet

2012 CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley (.PDF)

Out of stock