Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2017

Cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled.

Patz and Hall was founded in 1988 by four long-time Napa residents who between them have expertise in almost every area of the wine industry. Rather than having their own vines, they have worked hard to build real partnerships with their grape growers and are able to pick top quality fruit from prime vineyards across Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Monterey which are then vinified in a state-of-the-art winery in Sonoma.

Warren Dutton was an early pioneer of Chardonnay in Sonoma, and this bottling is made from some of the oldest plantings of the variety in the county. Located in Russian River’s cool climate Green Valley, the heirloom vines and cool conditions combine to produce intense, aromatic fruit with plenty of elegance and finesse. This character is enhanced by fermenting the fruit with indigenous yeasts and ageing the young wine in 35% new French oak barrels.

Delicate nutmeg, vanilla, and toasted almonds mingle on the nose with ripe guava, zingy ginger, and rich peach notes. On the palate there’s a generous full body, smooth texture, and lingering finish with plenty of orchard fruit and spice from the oak. The balance of power and restraint make this a great wine to cellar for a few more years, although it’s ideal for enjoying now with roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and hard cheeses.