~ May 2003 ~

Dutton Ranch--One of Sonoma County's Oldest Farming Families
In 1974, Martin Ray Winery became the first winery to proudly designate Dutton Ranch on its label, closely followed by Kistler, which made their first Chardonnay from Dutton Ranch grapes in 1979, and has done so ever since. Today, the Dutton Ranch name is synonymous with high quality, and is found on wines from Hartford Court, Sebastiani Winery, Sebastopol Vineyards (Joe Dutton and his wife Tracy's winery), DuMol, Patz & Hall and others. Since Steve Dutton is half of Dutton-Goldfield, we thought a newsletter highlighting that part of the partnership was in order.

Dutton Ranch Facts
We're often asked "where is Dutton Ranch" or "how big is Dutton Ranch", so we thought it would be a good idea to include a short "Dutton Ranch Primer" for you.

Dutton Ranch isn't one place (although there is a home office on Graton Road where the Shop Block vineyard is), but a collection of about 80 non-contiguous parcels in Russian River Valley appellation that comprise approximately 1,300 acres of land that they either own, lease or manage. About 1,150 of these acres are planted to grapes, and the other 150 to apples (including the delicious Gravensteins that this area is known for).

Warren and Gail Dutton bought their first 35 acres west of the town of Graton, and planted it to French Columbard, in 1964. Their first sale was $88 for a ton of Colombard grapes. In 1967, they sold their first Chardonnay harvest. Steve, along with his brother Joe, literally grew up in the vineyards and orchards, learning his way around farm equipment (his first love). By the time the boys were in high school they were driving tractors and forklifts, and helping their father oversee the family's expanding vineyards and orchards. At the age of 32, Steve was named Sonoma County's "Young Farmer of the Year."

Today, while it has grown beyond the family's wildest dreams, Dutton Ranch is still really just a family farm, with Steve and Joe continuing their father's vision. The employees of Dutton Ranch are part of a large extended family, some of whom have worked for the Duttons for over 30 years. The ranch regularly holds barbecues for employees and neighbors, and even provides camp-style housing for the labors who work on the property at a price of just $60 a month.

In addition to farm workers, Dutton Ranch also employs three full-time mechanics to maintain their 55 tractors with their various disking, plowing, mowing and other attachments, as well as other farm equipment. They even have a special truck that has duplicates of all the shop equipment (welders, etc.) so it can go out into the vineyard and do repairs on-site.

Farming is a way of life for the Duttons, and they consider themselves stewards of the land that gives them their living. While organic farming isn't practical in western Sonoma County due to the coastal fog and heavy moisture, the Duttons employ "reduced input" farming for all their properties. Low-volume sprayers and only low-risk fish- and animal-safe products are used. To further their commitment to low environmental impact, the Duttons utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a method of pest management that monitors the site for pests and deals with them on an as-needed basis, rather than automatically spraying each year.

Wine News and Reviews
The 2000s continue strong into 2003...PinotReport (For People Passionate About Western Pinot Noir) reviewed our Pinots in their April issue, and had this to say:

2000 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir
Medium-deep ruby purple color; subtle, complex aromas of spices, black cherry and some lavender; big, rich, lush black cherry, spice and lavender flavors that go on forever; great structure and balance; long lingering finish. The depth and complexity here make this a wine to search out. Score: 93

2000 Devil's Gulch Vineyard Pinot Noir
Medium ruby red color; deep and developed black cherry, plum and spicy lavender aromas; full, rich flavors of plum, black cherry and lavender, a balanced dose of toasty oak and a long, full finish. Delightfully deep and complex without being too heavy or oaky. Lots to like in this Pinot. Score: 92

2000 Freestone Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
Medium-deep ruby purple color; spice, perfume, touch of lavender and black cherry on nose; rich and full on palate, concentrated core of black cherry fruit with generous spicy notes; long finish; deep and complex. Very complex and deep with great balance and structure. Score: 92

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Sante, the magazine for restaurant professionals, recommended our 2000 Pinots in their March/April issue, and our Chardonnay in the May issue:

2000 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir
General characteristics: Medium bodied, soft tannins; long finish
Aromas: Cherry, pepper, earth, game
Flavors: Cherry, earth, red raspberry
Pairing: Wild mushroom salad

2000 Maurice Galante Pinot Noir
General characteristics: Rich, sweet fruit, very elegant, balanced: excellent!
Aromas: Floral, ripe red berries, earth, vanilla
Flavors: Earthy spice, cooked cherry, plum, mushroom
Pairing: Roast beef tenderloin with truffle sauce

2000 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay
General characteristics: Nicely layered flavors; long finish
Aromas: Apple, caramel, vanilla, light oak
Flavors: Caramelized apple, vanilla, spice
Pairing: Monkfish braised with bacon and tomatoes