2002 WARREN’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY
The Wine
This Reserve Russian River Chardonnay is a delicate, yet multifaceted
wine. The bouquet exhibits spectacular and enchanting aromas of
mango and banana inter-twined with graceful hints of vanilla and
orange blossoms. Delightful flavors of pineapple, pear and a slight
zest of lemon guide the way to a long and silky honey coated finish.
The Vineyard
Joe’s father, Warren Dutton was a visionary of Sonoma County
agriculture. Warren along with his wife Gail founded Dutton Ranch
in the western part of the county in 1964, and were the pioneers
to plant chardonnay in a cool area. The innovative approach to plant
this varietal in such an area of the Russian River appellation was
exclusive at the time. Within a few years, Warren Dutton and Dutton
Ranch were desired for the delicious fruit, dedication to agriculture
and the hard work to continue to supply the demand. As a tribute
to Warren, the Warren Dutton’s Reserve Chardonnay is the second
in a series of 12 wines dedicated to his life as a father, a farmer
and an inspirational leader in the agriculture industry. The 2002
chardonnay is a blend of four of Joe and Tracy’s family estate
vineyard locations.
The Winemaking
The fruit from these vineyards are harvested in the morning and
gently whole cluster pressed. The juice then settles for 24 hours
and racked into barrels. Individual lots are barrel fermented using
a combination of indigenous and inoculated yeasts. Undergoing malolactic
fermentation, the lees are stirred twice monthly. The chardonnay
is aged in French oak barrels chosen by our winemaker Mat Gustafson
to emphasize the fruit and vineyard characteristics of the wine
while accenting the essence of the barrels. We at Dutton Estate
Winery handpick each barrel for this vineyard designate blend and
rests in barrels before bottling unfiltered in early winter after
approximately 14 months in the barrel.
Tech Notes 
2002 Warren’s Reserve Chardonnay (sold out)
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