2013 Dutton Goldfield Rued Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.8% alc., pH 3.34, TA 0.68, 815 cases, $50. This vineyard was planted by Warren Dutton in 1969. Intended to be budded as Old Wente selection, it turned out that half of the wood he received was a so called “Chardonnay musqué” selection. The selection has since been propagated across California and is referred to as the Rued clone. It is not truly a clone, but a selection propagated from preferred vineyard cuttings. Vines are planted in sandy Goldridge series soil and are dry farmed. 100% barrel fermented with mostly native yeasts, full malolactic fermentation, and aged 17 months with lees stirring in French oak barrels, 50% new. Unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of iron, lemon oil, and tropical fruits. Creamy on the palate, with discretely rich flavors of lemon creme, creme brulee flavors and nutty oak, framed by just the right amount of cut. A serene wine with plenty of white-fleshed fruit on the uptown finish. Score: 92. Reviewed November 22, 2015

Winery: Dutton-Goldfield
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted Chardonnay