Last week I got the opportunity to visit Dutton-Goldfield at the winery space they share with Balletto. Sarah Kelley gave us a pour and tour of the facility and Brandon Lapides, the assistant winemaker, showed us a bit of the process while the harvest was underway. For a relative newbie like myself it was very informative and great fun to see the harvest action and a behind the scenes look into wines that are literally made in my backyard. I can see the Russian River Valley and the Dutton-Goldfield winery from my office window. (I almost sound like Sara Palin-- I can see the Russian River from my house!) Watching the bins of grapes come in and get tossed into the machine that crushed them and spit out the stems (I think it's called the de-stemer) reminded me of a huge sausage grinder at work. Maybe not the the most appropriate analogy but that's what came to mind for me. Take a look.
The Dutton-Goldfield portfolio of wines offer a snapshot of the Russian River Valley & Green Valley AVA. Each wine is a direct expression of it's unique climate and location. Of the wines we tasted I was most impressed with the Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir RRV 2007 , the 2006 Sanchietti Vineyard Pinot Noir, and the Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah.
Now as I watch the fog roll in and out in the valley below, glass of Pinot in hand, I have a greater understanding of what the weather can taste like. You can view a map of the vineyards here and read more about the wines and the people behind them here.
NEXT POST: Hands on Harvest
Advance praise for the next post!
ReplyDeleteMarcy, Thanks for the very nice peek into Dutton Goldfield. In addition to being very talented at their craft, they are one of Sonoma County's treasures. Sarah probably gave you a great tour. She loves the business and meeting interesting folks who want to learn about this creative industry. She probably didn't tell you that it runs in her family. Her dad worked for Robert Mondavi (when Robert was still owner and at the winery regularly) and her brother worked in sales and marketing for a local winery and is now using his wine business degree lending money to wineries from the Central Valley to the Oregon border. I'm the mom and the odd one out. Never worked in the wine industry, just exhibit my artwork in tasting rooms (currently exhibiting in Martin Ray on Laguna Road in Santa Rosa). I also enjoy the wonderful wines produced in this region, and especially a good Dutton Goldfield Pinot Noir! Thanks again for the nice review. It reminds me of what a paradise Sonoma County is and how blessed we are to live here, Barb Kelley, Moon Catcher Studio
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