91pts Wine Enthusiast

Tasty, fresh-sliced apples and pears are dressed in floral tones that give this smooth, rounded wine a generous, fruity expression. A medium to full body and rich texture make it melt in the mouth.

Winery Notes

Sonoma-Cutrer is a renowned producer of California Chardonnay using some Burgundian traditions with American ingenuity and an appreciation for Sonoma Valley's terroir and sunny climate. The distinctive Sonoma-Cutrer balance between elegance and richness is showcased in every bottle of Chardonnay they produce for serving with poultry, shellfish and buttery vegetables. This Chardonnay also makes a great match with Delice de Bourgogne or Brie cheeses.  

Sonoma Cutrer's Winemaker’s Release is a series of wines that showcase their commitment to artisan craftsmanship and high-quality production practices. This collection of wines under one umbrella are produced annually in extremely low quantities that further their reputation as one of Sonoma County’s premier wineries. Known for their consistent and flavorful Chardonnay fruit, Dutton Ranch has been a long-time grower partner of Sonoma-Cutrer. When discussing options for this year’s release, S.C. invited Dutton Ranch to be their first grower vineyard designate. 

Chardonnay grapes were harvested in late September from two Dutton Russian River Valley Vineyards- Gerboth and Alpers. After hand-sorting, the grapes were whole-cluster pressed to avoid bitter tannins from the skins and grape seeds. The cool, golden-green, free-run juice was sent directly to French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine was then aged sur-lies in French oak barrels that were a mixture of 29% new and one-year old, 40% 2 year old and 31% older oak for 10 months. The barrels staves were exclusively procured by our forester in France, Nathalie Gauthier, mostly from the Orleans region of France.   

This wine is vibrant and very aromatic with scents of lightly baked apple, pie crust, melon, nectarine, clove, oak spice, and toasted sourdough bread with butter. On the palate you will find rich flavors of peach, oak spice, and baked apple. It is elegantly structured with citrus-laced acidity and lengthy, toasty oak finish.