Vineyard: Dutton-Freestone

OwnerDutton Ranch
AppellationSonoma Coast
StoryIn the late 1990s, the Clearys met with Warren Dutton and they decided to transform the V-C Ranch into a vineyard, dedicating nearly fifty acres of the ranch to Pinot Noir.
Acres50
VarietiesPinot Noir
ManagersDutton Ranch

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Freestone Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.64, 657 cases, $72. This vineyard, planted in 1996 and 1997, is located a few miles inland from Bodega Bay on a south-facing hillside above the town of Freestone. This very cold site produces tight bunches and tiny, thick-skinned berries. Clones are 115, Wädenswil 2A and 114 co-fermented, and 667. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Dark berry fruited on the nose with a mid weight plus nucleus of lush dark stone and berry fruits lifted by good acidity and framed by discrete tannins. Satiny in the mouth, with enviable balance, good richness without being jammy, and noticeable intensity on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed December 1, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Ernest Vineyards The Wrangler Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 184 cases, $48. Released spring 2014. Grand Vent and Dutton-Freestone vineyards. Pommard, 113 and 667 clones. Aged in 37% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose offers an appealing combination of black cherry, black raspberry, spice and oak scents. Relatively full-bodied, featuring a core of dark red cherry and berry fruit with a bit of tarry oak in the background. Softly textured with balanced tannins, and some intensity on the finish which sports a good cut of refreshing acidity. Not as precocious as The Engineer, and will benefit from cellaring. Score: 91. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Freestone Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.61, 613 cases, $72. This vineyard is located above the town of Freestone on the far southwestern edge of the Russian River Valley only a few miles inland from Bodega Bay. This very cold site is suited to Dijon clones. Planted in 1996 and 1997 to 115, 667, 114 and Wädenswil 2A. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enchanting aromas of raspberry coulis, black cherry pie glaze, spice and toasty oak. Delicious on entry with expansive fullness and polish, offering intense flavors of darker berries and Asian spices. The tannic backbone insures age ability while the lengthy finish leaves a memorable impression. Score: 92. Reviewed November 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freestone Vineyards Ovation Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Barrel sample. · A solid wine with discreet richness and appealing flavors of pear and citrus backed by bright acidity. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Barrel sample. Composed of best barrels in the cellar. · A step up in complexity and expression. Pleasing mineraility. Amazing aromatic persistence on the generous finish. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc.. Barrel sample. · Wow! The aromatics really pop with scents of wild berries and cherry tart replete with baking spices. Rich and ripe, fruit-forward and attacking. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Bohemian Vineyard Freestone Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 250 cases, 45. This wine is from the chilly Freestone microclimate. Vineyard clones include Dijon 115, 667 and 777 on 101-14 rootstock. De-stemmed, 3-5 day cold soak, whole berry fermentation in one-ton bins for 8 days with multiple punchdowns. Aged in French oak barrels for up to one year. · Winemakers are Mike Zitzlaff and Chris Nelson. Unfined, unfiltered. There is plenty of charm in the nose with scents of cherries, rhubarb, herbs, oak and roses coming and going. Carefully oaked and moderately rich black cherry fruit on the attack with supple tannins and a clean, refreshing finish. Reviewed January 1, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Eric Kent Freestone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc.. · Moderate reddish-purple color in glass. The nose offers considerable pleasure as it emerges over time in the glass showing bright aromas of dark red stone fruits and striking spice box perfume. Very soft and smooth in the mouth with moderately intense flavors of redder fruits, offering a pleasing elegance and balanced tannins. Some aromatic persistence on the finish adds to the pleasure. Source: sold out. Very good (+). Reviewed July 1, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Fogdog Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., $35. Sourced from Dutton Ranch Mill Station and Sullivan vineyards. Aged 15 months in 60% new and 40% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. · Demure aromas of lemon meringue tart and white stone fruits. Bright and crisp on the palate featuring flavors of peaches, lemon curd and grapefruit with the faintest oak. The fruit gives a delicate impression of sweetness. Good. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Fogdog Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $35. 100% estate grown. A mixture of several Dijon clones and several heirloom selections. Aged 15 months in 40% new and 60% two to three-yearold French oak barrels. Slow fermentation with 20% whole clusters. · Dark and dense reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of intensely perfumed wild berries, raspberries, and plums with a hint of exotic spice box and oak. Remarkably rich for an entry level wine flaunting a flavor palate of macerated berries, plum and pomegranate. Restrained, slightly grainy tannins and a zippy, refreshing finish that features citrus peel and dried berries. A good food wine with the right mix of intensity and delicate balance. Very good. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Ovation Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.0% alc., $45. A mix of estate vineyard fruit (61%), Dutton Ranch (21%) and Bacigalupi (18%). Aged 15 months in 60% new and 40% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. The lees are stirred frequently during primary fermentation (once a week) but not during secondary fermentation. Meant to be a rich, full-bodied California styled Chardonnay. · Light golden yellow in color in the glass. Delicate but pleasing scents of lemon curd, pear, white peach, tropical fruits, and steely minerality. Delicious core of citrus and pear flavors with a hint of caramel and baking spice all underlain with a crushed rock minerality. A citrus tang lifts the bright finish. A highly nuanced wine that aims to please. Very good. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $55. 100% estate grown fruit. Aged 15 months in 65% new and 35% two and three-year-old French oak barrels. 43% whole cluster. · Nuanced aromatics featuring scents of berry tart, sandalwood, and barnyard. Spicy, tenacious palate of wild berries and plump cherries set off by notes of savory herbs and sweet oak. Rich and generous, yet offering style and grace. Just when you are content, it wows you some more with a memorable spice box finish. Very good (+). Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Fogdog Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.0% alc., 1,400 cases, $40. Exclusively from estate-grown vineyards. Fogdog refers to a bright clear spot that appears in breaking fog. Fermented in stainless steel, aged 12 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Pale yellow in color. A very similar flavor profile to the winery’s Freestone Vineyards Chardonnay but with less intensity and lacking the same textural appeal. Still, it is a very good wine that woman will love. Attractive scents of butter, white fruits, citrus, vanilla and smoke are echoed in the flavors. Rich with leesy notes as well and blessed with admirable acidity on the tasty finish. Freestone Chardonnay in a skirt. Reviewed November 2, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Fogdog Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 3,400 cases, $40. A blend from all three of the estate-grown vineyards. A mixture of Dijon and heirloom clones. Aged 12 months in 40% new and 60% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. Whole berries were maximized and a small number of whole clusters employed. · Aromas of well-spiced cherries with a touch of smoke. Satisfying in the mouth with impressive grip. The flavors of cranberries and sour cherries are enhanced by a bracing tang of citrus. Tannins are well integrated and the refreshing finish begs for another sip Reviewed November 2, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Ovation Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.0% alc., 700 cases, $60. Sourced from Freestone and other Coast growers. 100% barrel fermented, native yeast fermentation, aged in 70% new French oak barrels for 12-15 months, unfined and unfiltered. Replaces the Joseph Phelps Vineyards Ovation Napa Carneros Chardonnay which was discontinued in 2004. · Flavors of pear, 7-Up and fig in a crisp, clean and brightly styled Chardonnay imbibed with minerality and unburdened by oak. Akin to a fine blanc de blanc Champagne without the bubbles. Excellent. Reviewed November 2, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc.,700 cases, $75. 100% estategrown Chardonnay from Freestone Vineyards. Aged 15 months in 70% new and 30% one to two-yearold French oak barrels. · Pale blond in color with a touch of gold. This wine is Fogdog’s sculpted big brother. Bold aromas of buttered popcorn, yeast, toasted oak and white stone fruits lead to delicious and moderately intense flavors of white peach and pear with a charming mineral note. Slightly viscous on the palate and very clean on the finish. This has all the attraction of barrel fermented Chardonnay, yet enough sophistication to charm even the most hard core white Burgundy lover. I could drink this all night long. Reviewed November 2, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 2,700 cases, $75. 100% Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from estate Freestone and Quarter Moon Vineyards. Primarily Dijon clones with some heirloom selections. Aged 15 months in 55% new and 45% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. Whole berries were maximized and some whole clusters were included. This Pinot Noir represents a selection of the best wines produced during the 2006 harvest. · Very lovely and pure aromatics featuring dark red berries and stone fruits infused with herbs, and subtle oak toast and spice. A charming and demure wine on the palate that is silky and supple with understated but satisfying red and black fruit flavors complimented by deft use of oak progressing to a persistent and memorable finish of spiced fruit and orange peel. The wine’s balance is impeccable portending a long life ahead. This Pinot Noir drank beautifully the following day from a re-corked previously opened bottle, exhibiting more spice, mocha and coffee notes and a very sexy velvety texture. This wine may not have the levels of complexity that future vintages will flaunt as the estate vines age, but it remains an impressive wine. Reviewed November 2, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Freestone Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 361 cases, $58. Located at the southwestern edge of Green Valley. Dijon clones. Very small yields with tight bunches and tiny thick-skinned berries. · Interesting aromatic profile of flowers, smoke, sap and oak. Earthy, grilled, smoky dark fruits with a hint of tobacco. Showing primarily secondary bouquet and flavors without the vibrant fruit shown on release, but will appeal to fans of aged Pinot Noir. Decent (+). Reviewed February 15, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Chasseur Freestone Station Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 150 cases, $60 (sold out). Clones 115, 777 and 23. Aged 15 months in barrel. · Unusual, but pleasurable, aromatic profile of black cherry jam, gingerbread, almonds and smoke. An earthy wine featuring dark stone fruits and cola flavors presented in a softly textured style. Nicely balanced. Reviewed July 19, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »