Dutton Estate

Articles About Dutton Estate

Reviewed Wines

2019 Dutton Estate Winery Manzana Vineyard Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 233 cases, $66. Released June 2022. Clones 115 and faux 828. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherry, clove, turned earth and balsam. Very ripe fruited profile including flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, cassis, licorice and root beer. A touch of alcoholic warmth shows up on the modest finish. Score: 89. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Dutton Estate Winery Thomas Road Vineyard Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.55, 233 cases, $70. Released June 2022. This vineyard is located in the Green Valley AVA of the Russian River Valley AVA. Harvest Brix 24.4º. !00% clone 115. Aged for 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fruit never appears on the nose, even when checked the following day from an opened bottle. Aromas of earthy flora dominate the nose. Mid-weight flavors of blackberry and black grape with a touch of spice. Sleek in the mouth with a harmonious touch of oak. The wine lacks uplifting acidity and the fruit tastes mildly roasted. Score: 88. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Dutton Estate Winery La Familia Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.57, 234 cases, $74. Released June 2022. Sourced from Kozolowski Family Vineyard located in the Green Valley AVA of the Russian River Valley AVA. The vineyard was once the site of the largest raspberry patch in Northern California. It was converted to a vineyard in 1998 with planting of Pinot Noir clones Pommard, Swan and Dijon 115. This bottling only contains the Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The aromas of black cherry and peppery herbs are appealing. A seductive, mid-weight style with a delicious core of well-spiced cherry fruit. A debutante of a wine with a silky mouth feel and a delicate but juicy cherry-driven finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 Dutton Estate Winery Karmen Isabella, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 942 cases, $46. Released September 2020.A blend of fruit from Green Valley Road Vineyard, Thomas Road Vineyard and Manzana Vineyard. Dijon 115 and faux 828 clones. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · Engaging aromas of black cherry and oak spice. Very flavorful mid-weight core of black cherry and black raspberry fruits with a touch of spice and thistle. Excellent upon opening with a smooth mouthfeel and admirable balance. Score: 93. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2018 Dutton Estate Winery Warren’s Collection Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc, 109 cases, $55. Released October 2019. Fruit from Dutton’s Ranch original Chardonnay vineyard, The Shop Block, planted in 1967 to Wente clone, is located in the Green Valley region of the Russian River Valley. 50% MLF (in barrel only). 50% aged in concrete egg and 50% aged in 50% new and 50% neutral French oak barrels. · bright aromas of lemon peel, pineapple and pear. Full-flavored in a citrus-imbued style that is seductively creamy on the palate. This wine walks the line between fruit-driven and acid-driven. Oak plays a very subtle role. Score: 93. Reviewed October 4, 2020 ARTICLE »

2018 Dutton Estate Winery Manzana Vineyard Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.52-3.6, TA 5.9-6.0, 222 cases, $65. Released January 2020 as part of the winery’s single-vineyard collection. Clones 35% 115 and 65% “828.” 20-acre vineyard planted in Goldridge sandy loam exposed to a very cool climate. Harvest Brix 25.0º (115) and 24.5º (828). 5-day cold soak, with daily punch-downs during cold soak. Inoculated with three proprietary yeasts. Punchdowns three times daily during primary fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple berry and spice cake lead off. Delicious black cherry and purple berry fruit flavors with a appealing note of spice. A complete wine with excellent harmony, integrated oak and tannins with a very lengthy finish. A five-alarm sensation. Score: 95. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Dutton Estate Winery Thomas Road, Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.575, 196 cases, $68. Released January 2021. The Thomas Road Vineyard is located in the northeastern part of the Green Valley. Soils are Goldridge sandy loam. 100% clone 115. Harvest Brix 25.1º. 5- day cold soak, daily punchdowns during cold soak and up to three times daily during primary fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of black cherry, allspice and earth, more welcoming over time in the glass. Mid-weight plus charge of hefty dark fruits yet light on its feet. Great harmony, with a suave, silky mouthfeel that compliments the rich fruit sap. Reserve tannins and a hint of oak in the background. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Dutton Estate La Familia Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.67, 223 cases, $72. Released January 2021. Sourced from the Kozlowski Family Vineyard located in the heart of the Green Valley and the home of Tracy Dutton’s family who have farmed Sonoma County over five generations. 100% Pommard clone planted in 1998 in Goldridge sandy loam soil. Harvest Brix 25.4º.5-day cold soak, inoculation with proprietary yeast and daily punchdowns applied to gently release color. Aged in a mixture of French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose wows with aromas of the ripest strawberry, Bing cherry, black raisin and baking spice. Bold, dark cherry core that saturates the mid palate and floods the long finish with goodness. Admirable balance with reeled-in tannins and oak input. The ripe fruit in this quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir reflects many days of sunshine. Score: 94. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Dutton Estate Kylie’s Cuvée-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc

14.5% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.72, 826 cases, $27, screwcap. Released May 2018. First release by the winery’s new winemaker, Bobby Donnell. Named after Joe and Tracy Dutton’s middle daughter., a recent graduate from University of Arizona who will be assuming her new role as Dutton Estate Brand Ambassador. Grapes are harvested from Dutton Ranch’s sustainably farmed Shop Block and Mrs. George vineyards. The musqué clone was specially chosen from Shop Block and Mrs. George vineyards. Shop Block fruit was aged in neutral French oak barrels (50%) and Mrs George fruit was aged in stainless steel tanks (50%). The two lots were then blended together after 4 months. This wine carries the Sonoma County logo and “sustainably farmed grapes” on the label as part of the new initiative from the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association. · Moderately light golden yellow color with slight carbonic fizz in the glass. A grassy, herbaceous style of Sauvignon Blanc, combining aromas of fresh hay, gooseberry and chalk with flavors of grass, green apple, lime, subtle peach and herbs. Sleek in the mouth with bracing acidity. Score: 90. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »

2017 Dutton Estate Kyndall’s Reserve Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.63, 733 cases, $42. Released September 2019. Sebastopol, Dutton Palms and Mill Station vineyards. Robert Young, Wente and 40-year-old heritage selection. Fermented equal parts in concrete eggs, stainless steel and French oak barrels. Partial MLF up to 75%. Aged in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Plenty of California sunshine in this ripe fruited wine, offering aromas and flavors of grilled pineapple, lemon curd and butter toffee. Slightly viscous in the mouth, with a pineapple-fueled finish that has a welcome cut of acidity. Score: 89. Reviewed October 26, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Dutton Estate Manzana Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.59. 231 cases, $65. Released September 2019. Dry-farmed vineyard planted in Goldridge sandy loam soil. Harvest Brix 25.3º and 24.0º. Dijon 115 and “828.” 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark red and purple grapes and cut wood. Very ripe fruited in character but not in the compote range, with mid weight flavors of black cherry and blackberry framed by nutty oak. Silky in texture with mild tannins. A tad too ripe and oaky for my taste. Score: 89. Reviewed October 26, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Dutton Estate Kyndall’s Reserve-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.33, TA 0.66, 906 cases, $42. Released May 2018. This wine is named for Joe and Tracy’s oldest daughter who works at the winery. Select lots from Dutton Palms (Wente clone), Sebastopol (Robert Young clone) and Mill Station (44-year-old, dry-farmed, heritage clones) vineyards. Whole cluster pressed, 40% concrete egg and 60% oak barrel fermentations with twice monthly lees stirring. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 42% new. The wine was cold stabilized and filtered prior to bottling. Winemaker Terry Adams. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of lemon curd, whitefleshed fruit and seasoned oak. Discrete richness and noticeable ripeness, with flavors of Golden Delicious apple, lemon butter, toast and caramel. Slightly oily in the mouth, with a lemon-infused finish. Score: 90. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Dutton Estate Karmen Isabella-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.59, 952 cases, $46. Release October 2018. Named for Joe and Tracy’s youngest daughter who tends to be highly expressive - a perfect Pinot Noir descriptor. Grapes selected from Thomas Road, Marty’s and Manzana Dutton Ranch vineyards. clones 115 and “828.” The two clones were destemmed and fermented separately until the final blending. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. Filtered upon bottling. Winemaker Terry Adams. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of ripe strawberry, muddled black cherry and flattering oak. Luscious in the mouth, but rounded and light on its feet. The mid weight, juicy flavors of black cherry and ripe strawberry are caressed by a touch of oak. I particularly enjoyed the satiny mouthfeel of this wine. Thoroughly enjoyable now. Score: 93. Reviewed August 24, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Dutton Estate Kylie’s Cuvée Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc

13.9% alc., pH 3.25%, TA 0.68, 321 cases, $23. Named for second-born daughter. Sourced from Dutton Ranch’s “Shop Block” in Green Valley. Whole cluster pressed, slowly fermented in stainless steel and aged 3-4 months in neutral French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. Fined and filtered. · Very light platinum yellow color in the glass. Very nicely appointed nose with fragrant aromas of white peach, grapefruit and grilled pineapple. The flavors echo the aromas with a touch of lemon-lime and subtle grassiness typical of this varietal. Nicely composed with refreshing acidity that leads to a high pitched finish. Score: 91. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »

2014 Dutton Estate Jewell Block Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.87, TA 0.49, 143 cases, $53. Vineyard is located in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. The site was formerly home to Gravenstein apples and contains Goldridge sandy loam soils. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Uplifting and persistent aromas of cherries and strawberries lead to a well-spiced palate of red cherry fruit framed by gentle fine-grain tannins. Soft and satiny in texture with an elegant demeanor, making for a very easy friendship. Spice up your life. Score: 90. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2014 Dutton Estate Manzana Vineyard-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.62, 201 cases, $56. Vineyard is located in the heart of the Green Valley. Clones “828,” and 115 planted in 2001. Goldridge sandy loam soils. 100% de-stemmed, cold soak, open top fermentation, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. A selection of the best barrels from the Manzana lot. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal aromas of black cherry, dark red rose and forest floor. The cherry and raspberry fruits attract attention on the attack and the ever expanding flavors are very satisfying. The fine-grain texture is of interest, there is a good underlying cut of acidity, and the finish is replete with generous fruit as well as blessed with lengthy intentions. Score: 92. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2014 Dutton Estate Thomas Road Vineyard-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.56, 148 cases, $56. Vineyard is located in the northeastern part of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Planted to Dijon 115 in 1997. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of muddled cherries, earth, iron and a persistent, but subtle scent of acetic acid. Impressive attack of well-spiced black cherry fruit with notable mid palate presence, finishing with appealing juiciness. Slightly more dense and firmly tannic than the other 2014 Pinot Noirs reviewed here, with a gamey, sauvage edge, but still sleek and refreshing. Score: 89. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2014 Dutton Estate La Familia-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.85, TA 0.52, 95 cases, $60. Sourced from Kozlowski Family Vineyard located in the heart of Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Vineyard was planted to Pommard clone in 1998 in Goldridge sandy loam soil. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Regal aromas of fresh black cherry pie, nutmeg and herbs. Delicious charge of seductive cherry and raspberry fruits in a mid weight style with impressive palate fullness and overreaching length. Wonderful harmony and a baby’s bottom texture. A beguiling wine that is quite friendly in the mouth. Score: 93. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Dutton Estate Kyndell’s Reserve-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.6% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.62, 993 cases, 1,150 cases, $39. Sourced from Vine Hill Ridge Vineyard. Whole cluster pressed, 100% malolactic fermentation, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light yellow color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of lemon, apple and lychee lead to a creamy palate of apple, citrus, honey and blonde caramel flavors with a hint of slate in the background. A restrained, but very enjoyable style that exhibits exemplary balance. Score: 90. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Dutton Estate Dutton Palms Vineyard-Dutton Ranch Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.63, 121 cases, 150 cases, $43. Vineyard is located in the coolest part of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley, and was planted from the Chardonnay clone (Dutton clone) Warren Dutton used in 1967 to plant the original “Shop Block” Chardonnay Vineyard at Dutton Ranch. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, 100% natural malolactic fermentation, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light golden straw color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of apple, lemon marmalade and banana. Juicy and crisp in the mouth, with flavors of ripe peach, lemon curd and subtle oak highlights. Very charming, with some finishing intensity and admirable balance. Score: 92. Reviewed July 13, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Dutton Estate Karmen-Isabella-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.59, 1,186 cases, $44. A selection of the Dutton’s favorite three vineyards (Manzana, Marty’s and Thomas Road) with the goal of producing a vision of the Russian River Valley. The wine is named after the Dutton’s youngest daughter and is a blend of reserve barrels. Clones “828,” 777 and 115.100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of red cherry rose petal and underbrush. Vibrant, with good acidity, offering a mid weight melange of dark red cherry and berry flavors shadowed by toasty oak. The supportive tannins are finely honed, and there is some staying power on the enjoyable finish. Score: 89. Reviewed June 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Dutton Estate Manzana Vineyard-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.61, 133 cases, $54. This vineyard is located in the heart of Green Valley and was planted in Goldridge soil to “828” and 115 in 2001. 100% de-stemmed, cold soak, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed, very ripe fruit liquor including aromas of black raspberries, black plum and cassis. A mix of dark red and black fruits are modestly concentrated but flavorful, and complimented by suave tannins. A finishing burst of fruit is the wine’s best attribute. Score: 90. Reviewed May 14, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Dutton Estate Manzana Vineyard-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.61, 133 cases, $54. Vineyard located in Green Valley. Dijon clones 115 and “828.” 100% destemmed. Aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. A selection of best barrels from the Manzana lot. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Shy, but pleasing scents of black cherry, boysenberry and oak spice. Packed with ripe and vigorous purple fruits with an aggressive attack and a juicy boysenberry-rich finish that has impressive length. The oak is nicely integrated, the tannins are supple, and the peach skin texture is inviting. Score: 90. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Dutton Estate Thomas Road Vineyard-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.59, 124 cases, $54. Thomas Road Vineyard was planted to clone 115 in 1997 in rocky Sebastopol Goldridge-type soil. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Hi-tone aromas of cherry pie glaze, red berry jam and spicy oak lead to a middleweight array of red fruit flavors enhanced by a hint of baking spices. The wine offers impressive harmony, supple tannins, and an enchanting finish replete with dried cranberry flavor. Score: 92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Dutton Estate Thomas Road Vineyard-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.59, 124 cases, $54. Vineyard located in northeastern part of Green Valley and planted to Dijon clone 115 in 1997. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in 100% French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderately light crimson color in the glass. Love the nose which offers penetrating aromas of black cherry and exotic spices including clove. Very flavorful, with a mid weight core of cherry fruit accented with cola and complimented by oak. Wonderful balance with suave tannins and an uplifting, cherry-driven finish. Score: 92. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Dutton Estate Karmen Isabella-Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.55, 1805 cases, $40. Dutton Ranch farms over 80 unique vineyards in the cooler areas of the Russian River Valley, primarily in the Green Valley AVA. This wine resulted from a selection of 3 favorite vineyards (Thomas Road, Marty’s and Manzana) representing the Duttons’ vision of a signature Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Clones “828,” 777 and 115 planted in Goldridge soil. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, three punch downs daily, aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. The final blend is a barrel selection of reserve quality. Winemaker is Terry Adams. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Bright perfume of fresh Bing cherries, raspberries and toasty oak. Upon entry, the wine fills the mouth with pure cherry pleasure and hints of cola and oak spice. A sophisticated offering that is forward and easy to like, with supple tannins, vibrancy, a silky mouth feel, and a luscious cherry-themed finish. Score: 93. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »

2007 Dutton Estate Winery Karmen-Isabella Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 625 cases, $30. · Wonderful aromatics featuring concentrated berry fruit with a hint of oak, herbs, spice, brown sugar and brioche. Tasty cherry and berry core with hint of spice. Lacks a little impression on the mid-palate but shows some persistence on the generous finish. Won’t disappoint at this price. Very good (+). Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Dutton Estate Dutton Ranch Karmen Isabella Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 625 cases, $37. Composed of fruit from three selected vineyards at Dutton Ranch in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. · Stunning aromas of fresh Bing cherries and strawberries. Luscious core of cherries, strawberries and cassis create a rich and vivid middle palate. All silk and satin in texture with alcohol providing a sweet plushness. A hedonistic Pinot Noir that will please lovers of virile fruit. I usually go for a lighter touch, but this one really grabbed my attention. Reviewed October 29, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Dutton Estate Dutton Ranch Dutton-Thomas Road Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 275 cases, $45. · Lovely aroma of fresh cherry tart. Red cherry and berry fruit is front and center with a touch of earthiness. Very supple in the mouth with well-concealed tannins and impeccable balance. More finesse and less persistence than the Karmen Isabella bottling, but very satisfying in its own right. Very good. Reviewed October 29, 2009 ARTICLE »