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1997 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir |
 Owned
and operated by Warren and Steve Dutton, this is a multi-site vineyard
located to the east of Green Valley, in the southern Russian River
Valley. Dutton Ranch has
over 200 acres of mature 25+ year old vines and is one of the most
respected, quality vineyards in California.
The vines benefit from an ideal coastal climate that typifies
this western part of Sonoma County.
Soils are sandy loam – the sand allows excellent drainage and
the loam possesses organic nutrients that help account for the
distinctive mineral flavors and character of the wine.
Hand picked, hand sorted prior to destemming, the grapes were
crushed into small open top fermentors.
During fermentation, the cap of solids was punched down to
extract layers of color and encourage development of complex flavors.
The wine was transferred to Latour, Gillet and Francois Freres
oak barrels where it completed malolactic fermentation, and was then
allowed to settle naturally until bottled.Neither fined nor filtered, the 1997 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir is rich with fruit and mineral flavors which recall a great red French Burgundy, yet it retains an identity that is Russian River Valley at its best. 794 cases produced 100% Dutton Ranch TA - .61 g/100ml Harvest Date - October 3 – 16 100% Malolactic Fermentation Alcohol - 14% Aged 11 months in pH - 3.45 100% French Oak |