To anyone familiar with Sonoma County wines, the name Dutton Ranch needs no introduction. These premier growers are renowned for their viticultural practices. Our Chardonnay is sourced from Russian River Valley vines that are planted in coveted Goldridge soil. In our quest to produce an understated Chardonnay we picked our fruit early.  This wine was barrel fermented and aged for 10 months in French Oak barrels, however we restrained the malolactic fermentation in order to keep a crisp and refreshing finish. The resulting wine features citrus aromas and rich meringue flavors from the barrel aging. Hints of flinty minerality on the tongue, yet still rich in mouthfeel. We believe this Chard threads the needle between the rich buttery style, and the crisper stainless steel build.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate, October, 2017
Rating: 90
The 2016 Lucie Dutton Ranch Chardonnay opens with ripe pear and fresh apple notions with hints of allspice, lightly browned toast and marzipan. Medium to full-bodied, with a pleasant oiliness to the texture, it fills the mouth with spiced apple and melon flavors, finishing on a lovely yeasty note. 

Wine Enthusiast, August 2018
Rating: 90
High-toned in fleshy peach and apricot with a nod of Good & Plenty licorice, this big-boned, structured and lushly crafted wine stands out with its complement of rich concentrated fruitiness and toasty oak.

• 100% Chardonnay from the Dutton Hill Vineyard
• Barrel fermented and aged in once-used Taransaud barrels sur lie for 10 months
• 20% Malolactic Fermentation
  
• Alcohol: 14.5 %
• TA: 0.68 g/100ml
• pH: 3.54

Consulting Winemaker and Viticulturalist: Kirk Venge
Proprietors: The Janzen Family
Release Date: Spring 2018

Click here to download the 2016 Lucie Dutton Ranch Chardonnay tasting notes.