2022 Warren's Collection Chardonnay

5 Stars - Restaurant Wine:

"Warren’s Collection Chardonnay is named for founder Warren Dutton who planted Chardonnay in his Shop Block Vineyard in 1967—the source of these wines, both of which are exceptional. The 2022 Warren’s is a more luscious wine that is fine and complex in flavor (peach, mandarin, vanilla, pineapple, oak), well balanced, and long and persistent on the finish. Drinks well now, but better in 2025 and beyond. Fermented in both concrete eggs and oak barrels, then aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. 50% ML. Clone: Old Wente. 235 cases. 14.1% [2024-2027]"

VINEYARD
This pays homage to Joe's father, Warren Dutton, a revered figure in the Chardonnay legacy of the Russian River Valley. We honor Warren's pioneering spirit by crafting wine from our oldest vines. Our cherished wine comes from the renowned Shop Block Chardonnay vineyard, planted in 1967—history in a bottle. Nestled in the cool Green Valley region, this vineyard truly represents the essence of the land. At Dutton Ranch, we passionately care for over 80 distinct vineyards, extending our commitment to the Russian River Valley. Certified Sonoma County Sustainably-Farmed and Fish-Friendly, our vineyard showcases sustainable practices. The grapes from this historic land are nurtured through dry-farming, resulting in a wine that embodies our past and shapes our future.

WINEMAKING
The grapes for this wine, like all the Dutton Estate wines, were carefully handpicked during the nighttime hours to preserve their diverse range of flavors. After being pressed as whole clusters, the fruit was left to settle in the cold for 48 hours. We employed a combination of concrete egg fermentation and barrel fermentation techniques to both showcase and balance the nuanced flavors and acidity. Before being aged for a period of 10 months, the wine underwent a 50% malolactic fermentation. To impart a subtle smoothness to this exceptional old-vine Chardonnay, we utilized a blend of new and neutral French oak barrels during the aging process.

TASTING NOTES
Experience the luscious medley of lemon, pear, and yellow apple dancing upon your senses in this medium-bodied Chardonnay. Delighting your palate, harmonious notes of apple and citrus intertwine with hints of cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla, creating a wine that is truly a masterpiece of depth and complexity.