Dutton Goldfield Snow Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2023, Russian River Valley, California, US (Copy)

Region California Country USA Type Red Grape Pinot Noir Style Floral, silky, fresh. ABV 14.1% Closure Cork Method Sustainable A young vineyard, two carefully chosen Pinot Noir clones and plenty of California coastal charm. Proof that sometimes the freshest ideas come from the newest vines.. About the wine Snow in California? Not quite what you'd expect. But in the cool hills of Green Valley, this little vineyard has found the perfect conditions for some seriously lovely Pinot Noir. Behind the bottle are long-time friends Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield, who have been bringing together exceptional Sonoma vineyards and thoughtful winemaking since 1998. Steve knows the land, Dan knows what to do with the grapes, and together they've built a reputation for Pinot Noir that celebrates California's cooler side. Snow Vineyard is one of the newer additions to the Dutton Ranch story. Planted in 2017, this east-facing hillside catches the gentle morning sunshine while enjoying the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean. The result? Grapes that ripen slowly, developing beautiful flavours while keeping that lovely natural freshness. And there's a little Burgundy inspiration here too. The vineyard is planted with two Pinot Noir clones, Calera and 943, carefully chosen to bring different characteristics to the wine. After a gentle five-day cold soak and fermentation in small batches, the wine spends 18 months in French oak, half of it new, adding subtle spice and complexity. Tasting notes Juicy cherries, ripe strawberries, fragrant hibiscus tea and delicate rose petals, with a little baking spice in the background. Silky and beautifully balanced, with bright red fruit, floral freshness and an elegant finish. Food pairing Roast duck with cherry sauce, lamb burgers with rosemary, wild mushroom risotto or grilled salmon. Its delicate fruit and gentle spice also make it a brilliant match for truffle pasta, herb-roasted chicken or mushrooms stuffed with garlic and herbs. About the winemaker Steve Dutton was driving tractors through his family's vineyards at five, while Dan Goldfield was studying chemistry before a bottle of 1969 Burgundy convinced him to swap laboratories for winemaking. In 1998, they joined forces. Steve brought five generations of farming knowledge, Dan brought his passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Dutton-Goldfield was born. One grew up among the vines; the other fell in love with what came out of them. A pretty good partnership, if you ask us.