Despite 23 years of bottle age, the nose is intense, with notes of apple tart, butterscotch, ground cinnamon, and roasted almonds. On the palate, it feels fresh and energetic, full with crisp acidity that carries the flavors long into the finish. Pair this wine with savory dishes, such as grilled or seared shellfish, roast chicken or dishes that include wild mushrooms. 
 
Dutton Ranch produces Chardonnay that exhibits exceptional breed and refined fruit complexities. The scent and flavor of this wine seems to emanate from the surrounding Gravenstein apple orchards and is reminiscent of freshly baked apple tart, ground cinnamon, roasted almonds, etc. The unusual structure of this fogscape wine combines power, richness and a fruit-acid freshness that enables sustained bottle development.
 
The grape source is Dutton Ranch Vineyard located in far western Sonoma County. The vineyard is surrounded by Gravenstein apple orchards and is planted with several low-yielding, Burgundian clones of Chardonnay. The cool and foggy coastal climate, combined with limestone and shale sub-soil, results in yields of 1-1/2 to 2 tons per acre of exceptional quality fruit.
 
The grapes were hand picked and sorted, crushed and pressed. The juice was fermented for eleven months in new French oak barrels. The wine was racked, clarified by bentonite fining, and bottled sur lie in August 1995.
 
 
Please note: This wine has been bottled without filtration to retain the essence of individual vineyard and vintage characteristics. With bottle age, unfiltered white wines will develop a light deposit and should be served with care.