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 golden-green color introduces aromas of baked pear, green apple skin, red velvet cake, and crushed rocks. A creamy blend of lemon curd, green apple, ripe pear, and toasted oats sweep across the palate. Extremely soft and seductive on the palate, the finish is heightened by bright acidity and savory minerality. Enjoy now or over the next 2 ‰- 4 years.

Oak: 100% French; 25% new oak, 50% twice used and 25% older.
Vineyard: Dutton Sullivan Vineyard
Harvest Dates: September 11, 2013
Bottled: February 11, 2015
Alc: 15.0%
Cases Produced: 102

Reviews

• Connoisseer's Guide Score: 88

  Finesse pretty much goes by the wayside here, and extremely ripe, hard-charging fruit becomes the wine’s dominant theme with sweet oak in ample supply. If not quite over the top, this broad and beamy effort is very near to it, but we nonetheless like its concentration and no-holds-barred richness. We also admit that it may be too much of a good thing for some, and it is most definitely one for drinking with dishes demanding the biggest Chardonnays.

• Prince of Pinot Score: 89

  15.0% alc., 98 cases, $38. Sourced from Dutton-Sullivan Vineyard planted in 1982 to a Wente selection of Chardonnay on its own rootstock. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 25% new, 50% twice-used and 25% older. Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Delicate aromas of peach, pineapple and grilled lemon. Rich and luscious on the palate, with appealing flavors of peach, citrus, poached apple and caramel. The alcohol is well integrated, the texture is slightly creamy, and there is some finishing fruit persistence.

Techsheet

2013 CHARDONNAY Russian River Valley (.PDF)

Out of stock