Reviews & Ratings

2020 Dutton Goldfield Chardonnay "Walker Hill Vineyard"

Winery: Dutton Goldfield

Vintage: 2020

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Walker Hill Vineyard"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $50

Cases produced: 338

KWG Score: 90.5 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: May 19, 2023

Wine Review: This light gold colored Chardonnay from Dutton Goldfield opens with a chalky minerality and poached pear bouquet with a hint of pineapple. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, round, and sophisticated. The flavor profile is a poached pear, pineapple, and mild oak blend with notes of nectarine. I also detected hints of peach, chalky minerality, and white pepper. The finish is dry, and its flavors and acidity are very nicely extended. This Chard would pair very nicely with a pan seared halibut with garlic butter sauce. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: When a guest once asked Dan why so many other California chardonnays are overoaked, he quickly replied that they were actually under-fruited. Our 2020 Walker Hill Chardonnay proves his point about why old vines in our neighborhood make such exceptional wines; it bursts with a carnival of fruit flavors that carry the wine from first sniff to final lingering finish. Sweet pineapple, pear, peach, and almond lead the aromas, and the mouth follows through with candied apple, nectarine, and pink grapefruit. It's both full-bodied and crisp, with a lemon custard brioche running down its lengthy finish. Play up the flavors and texture with a lemon cream sauce-covered pasta, chicken, or fish, or a Havarti or Fontina cheese.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Dutton Goldfield 2020 Walker Hill Chardonnay.