92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
93 Insider Points
"Golden caramel in color, this wine opens in a decadence of creme brûlée, a richness that subsides on the lighter style on the palate, marked by a saltiness of wet stone, pineapple and vanilla oak. Together, the light and heavy balance one another and the wine tastes complete".
-Virginie Boone, WE
Russian River Chard Often Reminds Me of a Rich White Burg
It's a happy medium that can bring together New World and Old World wines lovers alike. I know because I am at heart a lover of French Chardonnay, but something about this part of our beautiful state makes for an elegant rendition of the varietal. Dutton Estate has crafted a crowd-pleasing wine that will win the hearts of a lot of my friends.
A soft, ripened pear nose to start. The palate brings creamy golden apple and honey, followed by green melon through the mid-palate. High acid and medium bodied with a medium finish. Drinking in its prime, and will be for at least a couple more years.
93 Points - JZ April '18
·Accomplished winemaker Terry Adams began his career in 1981 at Sonoma-Cutrer, remaining at this seminal estate and honing his talent for Burgundian varietals until taking up a consulting winemaker post at Dutton Estate Winery in 2010.
·Grapes for this full-bodied Chard were whole-cluster pressed and fermented in French oak barrels, with each lot fermented and matured “sur lee” separately before being painstaking blended to form the finished wine.
·This wine was sourced from Dutton Palms, Vine Hill and Mill Station vineyards—all in the coolest corner of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley AVA.
·The 2014 vintage for Sonoma Chardonnay was exceptionally successful, earning 94 points from the Wine Enthusiast. The Wall Street Journal writes: “Someday, when California’s persistent drought is finally over, wine lovers may lift a glass to its memory, toasting the extraordinary 2014 vintage it made possible.”
Joe and Tracy Dutton’s titular winery stands alone amongst California’s premier Burgundian-centric estates--comprising more than 80 unique vineyards almost exclusive planted the Russian River Valley’s chilliest subzones and on the region’s famed “gold ridge” soil. The Dutton’s lineup sells out upon release, within reach of those on the winery’s wait list and from high-end restaurant wine lists only.
Named for Joe & Tracy Dutton’s eldest daughter, the Kyndall, this particular Chardonnay shows off a trio of cool-climate single vineyards as well as winemaker Terry Adams’ deft touch with the varietal. “Golden caramel in color, this wine opens in a decadence of creme brûlée, a richness that subsides on the lighter style on the palate, marked by a saltiness of wet stone, pineapple and vanilla oak. Together, the light and heavy balance one another and the wine tastes complete, writes the Wine Enthusiast, giving this balanced beauty 94 points.
From the winemaker:
Kyndall's Reserve Chardonnay is a delightful treat to the taste buds. Aromas abound of lemon zest and pineapple with floral perfume hints of white rose pedals and honey. A seamless mouth-feel and a round full body at the mid-palate, this Chardonnay has notes of crisp bright green apple. Coconut creme pie, pineapple and grapefruit extend out the long ripe finish. Enjoy Kyndall's Chardonnay with a tasty seasoned white fish or a savory quiche.
From the winery:
The wines we craft at Dutton Estate Winery - from our care for the soil to our daily handwork in the vines and the thought we give to harvest, fermentation and blending – express our dedication to our distinctive corner of the Russian River. We are the sixth generation of the Dutton family to farm in Sonoma County. We are committed to sustainable farming for future generations and elevating the quality of our wine every year. We share our love of the land and our commitment to land preservation through the distinct flavors in the glass.
This juicy and smooth Chardonnay tastes delicious along side of Chicken Piccata, Dover Sole with Brown Butter, or Boiled Lobster.
