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2000 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay |
 Dutton Ranch
vineyards are at the heart of the Rutz Cellars product line,
since the greatest volume of fruit that we source comes from the
various Dutton Ranch Vineyards located throughout the Russian
River Valley appellation. 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 100% French oak barrels for
fermentation. After primary fermentation all lots went through
complete malolactic fermentation. All lots were aged on the lees
and hand stirred every 2 weeks. The wine was aged for nine
months in 55% new and 45% one-year-old French oak barrels from
such reknowned coopers as Louis Latour, Francois Freres, Sequin
Moreau, and Marchive. Aging took place in the constant humidity
and temperature of the Rutz Cellars caves. The cave complex is
an integral part of our winemaking program, with the natural low
temperature and high humidity providing the optimal fermenting
and aging environment. On the nose, aromas of citrus, peaches and apples are balanced with subtle French oak. Medium body. Spicy peach and tropical fruit flavors are at once bright and creamy with a very good acid backbone and fruit/vanilla richness. Harvest Dates – September 7-12 ph – 3.54 Alcohol – 13.5% Total Acid – 0.550 g/100ml Cases Produced – 992 |