The Calling Dutton Ranch Chardonnay

A classic Chardonnay, this 2011 vintage wine was blended from select Dutton Ranch vineyards in the prestigious Russian River Valley appellation. Barrel fermentation and \"sur lie\" aging have created a rich and smooth wine with delightful aromas of fresh orange peel, peach, lemon cookie, and white nectarine. The pallet shows a balance of acidity and fruit with accents of Bosc pear. Notes of toasted oak accent the finish. The grapes were hand sorted and gently whole cluster pressed directly into French oak barrels. The wine was fermented with 100% native yeast. After fermentation the wine went through 100% native malolactic fermentation and was aged \"sur lie\" for 12 months with frequent stirring. Appellation: Russian River Valley
Vineyard/Special Designation: Dutton Ranch
Varietal: Chardonnay
Varietal Notes: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol content: 13.4
Sugar: 0.274
Time in Oak: 12 months
Barrel: 100% French Oak, 35% new
Acidity: 0.705
Harvest Dates: 9/30/2011 to 10/11/2011
Vintage Notes: The mild, almost cool 2011 helped maintain bright acidity in the Russian River Valley while still developing bright fruit character and an elegance in the wines.
Winemaker Notes: The grapes were hand sorted and gently whole cluster pressed directly into French oak barrels. The wine was fermented with 100% native yeast. After fermentation the wine went through 100% native malolactic fermentation and was aged \"sur lie\" for 12 months with frequent stirring.
Vineyard Notes: Dutton Ranch is composed of 1,100 acres of premium Sonoma County appellation vineyards. Fruit for this vintage was sourced from three locations within Dutton Ranchs Russian River Valley appellation, each vineyard contributing critical, unique aspects of the complexity of the resulting wine. Gail Ann Vineyard, located in the warmer end of the Russian River Valley, contributes ripe tropical elements to the 2011 vintage. The Mill Station Vineyard is one of the coolest spots in Russian River, and lends a strong minerality and structural backbone. Dutton Hill is a rolling hill in another cool region of the valley with sandy, well-drained soil for additional complexity and structure.

Region Description

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.