2022 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

The palate is rich, vibrant, and beautifully structured, delivering concentrated fruit flavors framed by complex savory notes and balanced acidity. Ripe red fruit flavors (sweet cherry, raspberry, red plum) are at the forefront, supported by hints of darker fruit concentration from the vintage. The earthy and savory notes from the nose carry through, adding depth and complexity (forest floor, spice, savory herb). The oak is seamlessly integrated, providing a subtle backdrop of spice, vanilla, and structure without dominating the fruit. The wine possesses good, balanced acidity which provides freshness and length, harmonizing with the fruit and subtle richness and preventing the wine from feeling heavy.

Visual: Medium ruby core with vibrant cherry and garnet hues extending to a slightly lighter, luminous rim. The color shows good depth and concentration for Pinot Noir, indicative of ripeness achieved in the 2022 vintage. It appears brilliantly clear and bright, with moderate viscosity and persistent, stained tears on the glass.

Nose: The aroma is intense, complex, and highly expressive, a beautiful reflection of Green Valley Pinot Noir with the added depth of the 2022 vintage. It opens with a mix of ripe red and darker fruit: think sweet cherry, ripe raspberry, and perhaps a hint of black cherry or plum. Classic earthy notes from the Goldridge soils are prominent: forest floor, damp earth, and a subtle savory mushroom or truffle character. The 30% whole cluster likely adds layers of complexity: distinctive black pepper and white pepper spice, a lovely floral lift (perhaps dried rose or violet), and a subtle savory stem note. The 50% new French oak is well-integrated, contributing elegant notes of warm baking spice (clove, cinnamon), vanilla bean, and a refined touch of cedar or toasted oak. The overall nose is layered, aromatic, and deeply inviting.