Chardonnay Reserve 2014
Sonoma Coast
Warren Dutton planted this Chardonnay vineyard in 1969 on an east-facing hillside west of the town of Graton. The clone he planted is known as the Rued-Z Clone, and it produces exotic, highly identifiable fruit. Old vines produce clusters with tiny golden translucent berries. The grapes themselves have incredibly enticing flavors, floral aromatics, and tropical freshness.
While making the Ernest single vineyard wine from this site in the 2014 vintage, we found three barrels that were expressing themselves in a way that made us stop in our tracks. We were so excited that we decided to pull these barrels to let them sit another full year in neutral oak.
Intense, rich, golden yellow color with burst of citric and tropical fruit aromas. Pineapple and tangerine fruits on the palate are followed with assertive acidity framed by a continuous mineral edge and a soft, roasted Macadamia finish.
| Country | United States | |
| Appellation | Sonoma Coast | |
| Vineyard | Green Valley Ranch | |
| Aging/Cooperage | Neutral Oak, 18 months | |
| Release Date | Fall 2017 | |
| Alcohol | 12.5% | |
| Production | 73 cases |