Dutton Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2012 (75cl, 13.5%)

A Russian River Valley Chardonnay from old-vine fruit in the Green Valley sub-appellation. Dutton Goldfield was founded in 1998 by viticulturist Steve Dutton and winemaker Dan Goldfield. The wine comes from old-vine plantings of heritage clones in cold Green Valley sites, and underwent barrel fermentation and full malolactic fermentation in French oak, with lees stirred twice monthly through winter. The nose offers lemon zest, ripe peach, pineapple, butterscotch, toasted coconut, vanilla, nutmeg, ginger and smoked roasted walnut. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with green and red apple, mango and stone fruit, balanced by Green Valley acidity, oak spice and a subtle dill note. The finish is long, with fresh citrus, ginger, toasted oak and pine resin.