2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard (750ml)

Chardonnay from Russian River, California

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

While fans of rich California Chardonnay know Sonoma’s iconic Dutton Ranch as the source for some of the region’s top producers, the lush 93 pt. 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard is a welcome departure from their equally high prices, offering ripe aromatic tropical fruit hinting of crisp apple and citrus peel with bright acidity on a plush finish and delivering a classic expression of sumptuous Russian River Chard for a fraction of its similarly pedigreed peers.

Co-founded by legendary sports broadcaster Jim Nantz and entrepreneur Peter Deutsch, the Calling was established in 2012 to craft wines sourced from existing family growers, forming its first partnership with the Russian River Valley’s acclaimed Dutton Ranch and becoming the largest buyer of Dutton Chardonnay fruit over the last decade. Founded on a 35-acre ranch outside of Graton in Sonoma County in 1964, the Dutton family planted their first 20 acres of Chardonnay in 1967, expanding their holdings to over 1,100 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards and becoming one of the region’s most prestigious vineyard designations, featured on the labels of an array of high-profile Chardonnay producers including Kistler and Patz and Hall. Employing what he refers to as a “berry to bottle” approach with minimal intervention, acclaimed winemaker James MacPhail barrel-fermented the impressive 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard in French oak with wild yeasts before aging it in 35% new French oak for nine months, employing regular lees stirring to create richness and texture and yielding classic Russian River opulence with beautifully textured fruit and bright acidity, ready to enjoy over the next few years.

Crafted by a relative newcomer among Sonoma’s Chardonnay producers, the enticing 93 pt. 2022 The Calling Chardonnay Dutton Ranch Vineyard continues the winery’s rising trajectory in the Russian River appellation, an opportunity to reap the rewards of exceptional sourcing and highly skilled winemaking while enjoying a terrific deal on an impressive and easy to love Chardonnay.

93WS

An expressive version, with generous notes of ripe tropical fruit, including papaya, grilled pineapple and mango. There's also a wonderful sense of restraint in the way the acidity and supple texture play with the flavors. Touches of vanilla shortbread, candied ginger and orange blossoms add fragrant grace notes. Drink now. 9,100 cases made.

93 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator (Apr 2024)

#USTCCH22AE

$23.98

Compare At: $29.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

Add a Case of 12

Add to Wishlist