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1999 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay |
 Dutton
Ranch vineyards are at the heart of Rutz Cellars' product line, since the
greatest volume of the fruit that we source comes from various Dutton
Ranch vineyards located throughout the Russian River Valley, Green
Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations. This prestigious and highly sought
after vineyard-designated blend represents the best lots and barrels
sourced from the Dutton Ranch properties. The separate lots were chilled
to 50°F or below, and cold-settled for 24 hours before being
moved to the French oak barrels for fermentation. After primary
fermentation, all lots went through 100% malolactic fermentation. The
wine was aged on the lees, and hand-stirred every two weeks. It was aged
for nine months in 55% new and 45% one-year-old French oak barrels
(Louis Latour - 55%, Francois Freres - 17%, Sequin Moreau - 17%, and
Marchive - 11%) in the constant humidity and temperature of the Rutz
Cellars caves. The cave complex is an integral part of the
winemaking equation for our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, providing
the optimal fermenting and aging environment as well as an actual
working space.
This wine exhibits aromas of citrus, peaches and apples, balanced by subtle French oak. The flavors are at once bright and creamy, with a very good acid backbone, and fruit/vanilla richness. Harvest Dates – October 26 – 29 ph – 3.54 Alcohol – 13.8% Total Acid – 0.55 g/100ml Cases Produced – 737 |