I am a total sucker for world-class aged Chardonnay. For years I have admired the aging potential of great Chardonnay from Sonoma. Wines from Dutton-Goldfield age so well and I have fondly revisited many of their ‘Dutton Ranch’ Chardonnays from the 2004 and 2005 vintage. Sadly I have consumed all of those remaining wines.
Dutton Ranch is a huge property in Sonoma County. Since the 1880’s, members of the Dutton family have been working the land in Sonoma County. Today, the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of the family are farming approximately 1,400 acres of sustainable winegrapes and organic apples in the Russian River Valley, Green Valley, and Sonoma coast appellations.
I recently had the chance to revisit some older wines by Dutton-Goldfield and the Dutton Ranch from the 2015 and 2017 vintages. The 2015 in particular was honeyed and nutty — hugely complex stuff that is really peaking right now. I love the 2017 release as well which is a treat to visit and still comes off very bright and mineral-driven. Learn more about these outstanding Chardonnays at duttongoldfield.com and here are my reviews of the Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnays.
2020 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch’ Chardonnay- Coming from this large estate in Sonoma County, I have long admired these wines going back fifteen years. This 2020 edition offers bright underlying acidity with poached pear, vanilla cream and suggestions of butterscotch with baking spice dusted brioche. Complex and delicious, this will live on for another eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 93
2017 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Rued Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The ‘Rued Vineyard’ is located in the scenic Green Valley of Sonoma County and was first planted to Warren Dutton back in 1969. Rich, layered and impeccably balanced, this 2017 Chardonnay offers mascarpone cream, French bread and creme brullee flavors alongside shades of roasted pineapple. This is seriously good now and still has a ways to go in the cellar. Drink 2023-2031- 94
2015 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch/Rued Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2015 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch/Rued Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows how well these beautiful wines can age. A brilliant caramel in the glass, this shows lemon zest with kumquat crusted creme brûlée tones alongside shades of mango, cashew nut, wild mushroom and copious minerals. This is really at its peak. Drink 2023-2028- 93