I love great wines from the Russian River Valley. One of the storied properties there, Dutton-Goldfield, dates back to 1998 when colleagues Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield decided to start a winery together. Steve Dutton is a 5th generation farmer while Dan has a background in chemistry and later completed the illustrious UC Davis program in winemaking. Dan previously worked at Robert Mondavi Winery and even made wine in Portugal for two years before coming back to California and starting Dutton-Goldfield
For many years I have enjoyed tasting at this Russian River Valley outpost. I have been consistently impressed with what they produce for the price and have enjoyed Dutton-Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch’ Chardonnays many years. The wine consistently strikes a balance between opulence and poise. The new release wines were gorgeous. Look for their 2019 Dutton-Goldfield Riesling (OB, 92) which shows an incredible texture and really good finesse. This one of a kind bottling would be an awesome foil for sushi or fresh shellfish. I adored the 2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Deviate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which showcases the Sonoma Coast AVA and its salty terroir, with a lovely red fruit and orange rind profile. Learn more about Dutton-Goldfield at http://www.duttongoldfield.com. Here are the great new releases from Dutton-Goldfield.
2019 Dutton-Goldfield Riesling- This Chiles Valley bottling has been now made since 2011. The texture here takes your right to Alsace,with sweetened pear and apricot tones alongside kiwi and wet stone. Fresh and vibrant, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next seven years. Wait for the really gratifying finish. Drink 2021-2027- 92
2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Morelli Lane Vineyard’ Zinfandel- This awesome Dutton Ranch bottling shows bright acidity with a good core of rich red fruits that mingle with orange zest, and bramble tones on the palate. With a soft texture and good sense of weight, this is pretty hard to resist now and will cellar well for another seven plus years. Drink 2021-2027- 92
2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Van Der Kamp Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Sonoma Mountain AVA, the ‘Van Der Kamp Vineyard’ is a high elevation site known for the strong influence of fog and wind. Ripe red cherry with dill accents and shades of cran-pomegranate fill the nose. The palate is lithe, and medium-bodied with a silky texture. A great core of red fruits and citrus rind tones combine with shades of salty earth. Wonderful to enjoy now, this beautiful new 2018 Pinot Noir will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92
2018 Dutton- Goldfield ‘Deviate’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from two separate Sonoma Coast AVA vineyards, this shows off gorgeous salty earth tones with cranberry, teaberry and dried herbs that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and viscous with a great veil of tension. Ripe strawberry and orange zest tones combine with pomegranate and salty rose water on the palate. With brilliant length, this outstanding new and terroir-driven Pinot Noir bottling will cellar well for another ten to fifteen years. But why wait? Drink 2021-2031- 93
2018 Dutton-Goldfield. ‘Redwood Ridge Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the’Redwood Ridge Vineyard’ is set at 1,000 feet and has massive maritime influences. Tart red fruits combine with salty earth and shades of baking spices on the palate. The weight and air of freshness really impresses here, as this great new Pinot Noir will provide drinking enjoyment over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘McDougall Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This new 2018 Pinot Noir is sourced from the McDougall Vineyard, right near the Pacific Ocean and set at a high elevation south-facing ridge in the Fort-Ross Seaview AVA. A great whiff of salty red fruits greets you as this delivers plenty of stuffing mid-palate. Layers of pretty red fruits and salty earth combine with blood orange and shades of white truffle on the palate. Beautiful to enjoy in its youth, this has at least a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Emerald Ridge Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Emerald Ridge Vineyard’ is located in the Dutton-Range property in the Green Valley. The wine is beautifully balanced with great length and a fantastic core of pretty red fruits, with kumquat and baking spice accents. Medium- bodied, and full of verve, this outstanding new Pinot Noir will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92