Give Thanks for Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Thanksgiving preparations are underway. Everyone is longing for the annual feast, whether it’s a classic roasted turkey with all the trimmings, a seafood bonanza, or a special dish that Nonna or Yia-Yia painstakingly prepared long ago. And those sides! Just the thought of mashed potatoes oozing with butter (and garlic!), caramelized brussels sprouts with bacon, savory sage stuffing, cheesy pasta, and so much more is making my mouth water with anticipation. But so are my wine selections for which I’m offering heartfelt thanks to Dutton-Goldfield Winery: Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2015 and Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir 2015, both sent as samples.

I’m the first to admit that every wine lover should expand their palate with wines from varietals or from regions that may be unfamiliar. The best way to understand which wines you may love to explore further is to taste a few and learn. However, when the holidays come around, a variety of flavorful dishes are served, and a multitude of guests are present, my go-to wines are more traditional choices…that are exceptional. I found two.

Once the Thanksgiving crowd is seated at the table, pop the cork from these crave-worthy choices from Dutton-Goldfield Winery. Each is guaranteed to please anyone who loves good wine (and delicious food and lasting friendship, of course). I encourage you to visit the winery’s website for detailed information including the variety of offerings in their portfolio.

 “Dutton-Goldfield Winery began in a vineyard in 1998, when longtime colleagues and friends, Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield, recognized a shared vision between them – to craft wines that express the personalities of their vineyards and which they’d enjoy drinking at their own dinner tables”. Dutton-Goldfield

The Dutton Ranch farms over eighty distinctive, individual vineyards found in the coolest areas of the Russian River Valley, predominantly in the Green Valley sub-appellation. The Russian River Valley is an official AVA (American Viticultural Appellation) with specific boundaries. The area is delineated by the Russian River and its tributaries and is defined by a cool coastal climate. If you’re interested in learning more about the Russian River Valley, please click here.

 

The Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2015 ($38) is from fruit cultivated in vineyards chosen “based on the desire to offer wines with fruit intensity, richness, and great acid structure, even after 100% barrel and malolactic fermentation”. On the nose I discovered intense aromas of juicy green apples, pears, limes, lemons, pineapple, and a hint of toasted almonds and minerality. The palate burst with fresh, lively acidity, notes of just-picked citrus, tropical fruit, subtle elements of stone fruit, toast, and vanilla…all surrounded with a rich, creamy mouthfeel leading to a balanced, lingering finish. The wine will pair beautifully with a wide range of foods on the table, especially any that feature a rich cream-based sauce. Are you hungry yet?

Those who crave a stunning Pinot Noir will savor every sip of the Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir 2015 ($44). Alluring in every way, I found enchanting aromas of black raspberries, strawberries, dark cherries, purple flowers, and earth. On the palate, bright acidity and smooth-as-satin tannins were the foundation on which lush flavors of blueberries, raspberries, black cherries, baking spice, and cedar were framed. Balance, depth, structure, and complexity, elements often challenging to find in a Pinot Noir, are hallmarks of this outstanding wine. You may want to complement mushroom based dishes, your holiday turkey with gravy, or any savory side dish on the table with more than a few sips of the Pinot Noir.

Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield consider their mission “to craft world-class wines that display the brightness of fruit, complexity, structure and balance that are reflective of our cool coastal home”. They’ve succeeded. I’m giving thanks for that, too!

Cheers! ~ Cindy