Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Russian River Chardonnay(2005)

Vineyard Character: The Dutton Ranch vineyard yields fragrant, tropical aromatics underscored by a crisp mineral character. Produced from some of the oldest plantings of Chardonnay in western Sonoma County, this wine is a blend of California heritage clones – Robert Young, Rued, Hyde-Wente and UC Davis clone 4. Mostly dry-farmed, the wines struggle to produce small but intensely concentrated berries, making for great depth of flavor and texture. Tasting Notes: The 2005 Dutton Ranch - Russian River Valley Chardonnay displays beautiful aromas of lemon curd and passion fruit with hints read more...of buttered toast and honey, intermingled with a ribbon of caramel. Creamy and rich, with flavors of lemon meringue and pineapple, the finish shows great finesse with integrated acidity and a wet stone minerality. Winemaking: 100% Chardonnay fruit; Whole cluster pressed; Multi-yeast fermentations (wild & cultured); Sur lie aged with weekly stirring; 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel; 45% new Burgundian French oak barrels; Bottled without fining or filtration    (hide)