The 2011 The Sage hails from two parcels of older Chardonnay planted to the Old Wente clone. Both of these are farmed by the deft hands of Dutton Ranch. Two thirds comes from a site in the far west section of Green Valley, planted in the early ‘80s on its own roots. As far as we know this may be the only Old Wente Chardonnay not planted on American rootstock! The remaining third comes from Morelli Lane Vineyard, north of Occidental, planted in pure Goldridge sandy loam. The wine was brought up in a Burgundian fashion - picked at perfect ripeness, barrel fermented and aged in two thirds new French Oak with bi-weekly batonnage. These cool climate sites combined with non-interventionist winemaking results in a balanced wine of exceptional complexity and length with vibrant aromatics. Look for aromas of lemon curd, verbena, lime blossom, vanilla, spice and flint. The palate is full and voluminous, but without residual sugar. There is great acid balance keeping the whole picture in focus. 6 barrels bottled, unfined and unfiltered, after 11 months in barrel.
