2015 Dutton-Goldfield Rued Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.8% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.74, 649 cases, $55. Vineyard planted in Green Valley by Warren Dutton in 1969. Chardonnay musqué selection known as the “Rued clone.” Soils are super sandy Goldridge series. Vines are dry farmed. Berries are consistently thick skinned and tiny for Chardonnay. Barrel fermented, full malolactic fermentation. Some barrels fermented with natural yeast and some inoculated with cultured yeast. Aged 15 months with lees stirring in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A connoisseur’s wine that offers layers of nuance. The nose delivers aromas of grilled pineapple, lemon, spice, white flower blossoms and flint. Sleek, refined and focused on the palate, with a proper mating of lemon, pineapple, apple and toasty brioche flavors with juicy acidity. Admirable harmony, with a steely, citrus inspired finish that begs another sip. Score: 96. Reviewed April 14, 2018

Winery: Dutton-Goldfield
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay