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Dan and Steve select their favorite Dutton Ranch vineyards to craft a wine reflecting our vision of classic Russian River Valley Chardonnay. The vineyards we choose are based on our desire to offer wines with fruit intensity, great acid structure and richness, even after full barrel and malolactic fermentation. 2005 was a textbook year for our old chardonnay vineyards. We had an early budbreak and great vine growth from late spring rains. Flowering weather was perfect for the chards, followed by a cool summer and excellent, dry late harvest weather. The gift of the season was obvious in fruit with ripe flavors, good acidity, moderate sugar and no rot. The resulting wine shows what we love about Dutton Ranch Chard. In the nose the classic lemon cream pie jumps out, with overtones of caraway seed, ginger and a touch of tangerine. In the mouth its core of citrus fruit and bright acid is nestled in a setting of creamy ginger spice that provides a beautiful balance and lingering finish. This is a wine of great versatility: enjoy it as an aperitif, or with rich and creamy foods that benefit from a focused, refreshing counterpoint.
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