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Vineyard Spotlight:
Dutton Ranch-Walker Hill Vineyard Chardonnay
One of the perks of having your own winery is getting to do what you want when you want to. That's pretty much always our MO at Dutton-Goldfield, as we don't do well with being told what to do. Such was the case with our Walker Hill Vineyard Chardonnay.
Walker Hill has been part of our Dutton Ranch Chardonnay for many years, coming together with four of our other favorite of Steve's Dutton Ranch vineyards to create our Russian River Valley expression. As any of you who've sat in on a tasting with Dan Goldfield knows, he's an unabashed Chardonnay lover and has a bit of a chip on his shoulder about California Chardonnays and their ability to show a great sense of place, as well as age beautifully. While it can be grown in a lot of places across the globe, it really shines in the old, cold vineyards here in Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Back in 2011, he decided that in addition to it being a core part of the Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, this was the year to bottle some of this quintessential Russian River Valley Chardonnay on its own. While some at DG thought another single-vineyard Chardonnay wasn't what we needed, Dan called in his owner perk, and decided to make enough for himself at least—which turned out to be 148 cases. Of course, everyone else loved it as much, and we've continued to produce this bottling ever since.
Steve's father Warren Dutton planted Walker Hill Vineyard on a sloping hillside just northwest of the main Dutton Ranch shop in the early 1980s. The Wente clone vines produce tiny berries with thick skins, which give the wine a great intensity, while the cool location about 500 feet above Purrington Creek provides a lively acidity. We vary the barrels a bit for complexity but focus on Seguin Moreau for its ginger notes, and Taransaud for the great structure and subtle toffee flavor.
The current 2017 release is textbook Russian River Valley Chardonnay: rich, citrusy, and exquisitely balanced. Wine Enthusiast noted "honey, brioche and stone fruit wrap around bright pops of lime and tangerine, coming together seamlessly on the lingering, crisp finish" in its 92 point review, and Wine Spectator scored it 91, calling it "a finely textured and pure-tasting version, featuring a mix of baked apple and ripe pear flavors, supported by fresh acidity. Toasty notes show on the firm finish."
2017 Walker Hill Vineyard Chardonnay $50
In the News: Latest Reviews - with Video!
 Catherine Fallis (Planet Grape's Grape Goddess) was the fifth woman in the world to earn the title of Master Sommelier. In addition, she's a wine judge, author, consultant, critic, and more. Check out her recent video reviews of some of our upcoming releases. Be sure to like and comment on her videos! We would love to hear what you think. You can also subscribe to Catherine's channel to keep up with her other tastings.
2018 Walker Hill Vineyard Chardonnay - 92
2018 Azaya Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir - 93
2018 Freestone Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir - 93
2018 Fox Den Vineyard Pinot Noir - 92
2018 Devil's Gulch Vineyard Pinot Noir - 92
2018 Docker Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir - 92
2018 Angel Camp Vineyard Pinot Noir - 92
2018 Devil's Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay - 92
You can read the reviews on the PlanetGrape website.
These wines are currently being sent to club members, and any remaining wines will be available for wider release after their allocations are fulfilled. If you want to ensure your supply, become a member today.
We've Got Your Thanksgiving Wines Covered
While this may not be the biggest Thanksgiving you've celebrated, it can still be one of the most special. Slowing down and enjoying an intimate meal shared with those closest to you is something we can all appreciate, especially these days. To accompany your feast, we've selected three of our Green Valley wines that pair perfectly with your turkey and all the trimmings, and will make all the wine fans at your table happy.
Green Valley Thanksgiving Trio
2018 Green Valley Vineyard Gewurztraminer
2017 Rued Vineyard Chardonnay
2017 Fox Den Vineyard Pinot Noir
$139 — includes shipping!
Happy almost Halloween!
Your friends at DG
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