Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir 2015
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After three larger crop years, a cool and wet May in 2015 severely impacted this vintage, resulting in yields that were down nearly 50% in the pinot vineyards. The upside is that all that concentration was packed into the tiny clusters and berries that were produced.
That density is apparent immediately in the nose of the 2015 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir, which shows particularly lavish black raspberry aromas fringed with sweet violets and savory brambles. The raspberry notes continue in the first mouth-coating juicy sip, riding on a wave of satin. Layers of black cherry and cedar brush reveal themselves as the wine sits in the glass. The sultry finish ends with a touch of blueberry and nutmeg.
This would be an amazing match for mushroom crusted sturgeon, spice-rubbed duck, or Bellwether Farm's Pepato cheese.
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Well-centered on a mix of cherry, plum and raspberry flavors, elegant and refined, with sufficient tannins to hold attention. Ends with a clean, mouthwatering aftertaste that echoes the fruit and spice notes. Drink now through 2024.
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Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the mainstays of the Dutton-Goldfield production. Using fruit from carefully chosen vineyards, Dan Goldfield produces wine that reflects the natural tendencies of the area: crisp, well-structured wines that display the complexity, balance and intensity that the partners believe are key to world-class wines.
Dutton-Goldfield Winery's first releases were a Dutton Ranch Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the 1998 vintage. Today Dan and Steve continue to produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Dutton Ranch plantings, numerous vineyard-designated wines, as well as small lots of old vine Zinfandel and hillside Syrah. The Dutton-Goldfield wines are crafted using traditional techniques such as barrel and malolactic fermentation for the Chardonnay, and open top fermentation for the Pinot Noir.
The winery is a partnership of friends, colleagues, neighbors and families. The wines reflect this spectacular part of Northern California where the grapes are grown, the superb quality of fruit from perfectly placed and planted vineyards, and the work of an appreciative winemaker.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.