2021 Warren's Collection Chardonnay

94 Points  "Editor's Choice" - Wine Enthusiast Magazine  |  " Rich and complex, this multi-layered offering displays tasty fruits, soothing cream and butter nuances, and an excellent sense of concentration and length. Baked apples, vanilla and a hint of macadamia nuts give it plenty to savor. Flashy enough for wine time and deep enough for a special dinner."  (5/1/2023)

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THE VINEYARD

Our family is six generations of forward-thinking West Sonoma County farmers. Each bottle of Dutton Estate wine is our way of sharing our love for this revelatory landscape, our commitment to sustainable farming, and our deep familial bonds. This wine opens with bountiful aromas of tangerine and lemon. Upon further opening, gentle notes of sea salt caramel blend with the citrus aromas. The mixed use of concrete and oak barrels both preserves and softens acid, which creates a delicate, medium-bodied Chardonnay. The caramel and citrus aromas follow to the palate and are met with a nuanced nuttiness; a signature old vine flavor.

THE WINEMAKING

The fruit for this wine, like all Dutton Estate wines, was harvested by hand at night to preserve the range of flavors. The fruit then went directly to press. Both concrete egg fermentation and barrel fermentation were used to highlight and balance the flavors and acidity. The wine experienced 50% malolactic fermentation before aging for 11 months. A combination of new and neutral French oak barrels were used for the aging process in order to slightly soften this old vine Chardonnay. 

TASTING NOTES 

This wine opens with bountiful aromas of tangerine and lemon. Upon further opening, gentle notes of sea salt caramel blend with the citrus aromas. The mixed use of concrete and oak barrels both preserves and softens acid, which creates a delicate, medium-bodied Chardonnay. The caramel and citrus aromas follow to the palate and are met with a nuanced nuttiness; a signature old vine flavor.