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Spring Release Highland Divide Chardonnay
2021

Winemaker’s Notes

Our Highland Divide cuvée is a Spring Release wine that matches the later-release single-vineyard chardonnays for quality and style—it’s one of the most dynamic chardonnays of the vintage. The blend is focused upon our two high elevation Dutton Ranch vineyard sources – Morelli and Jentoft – planted between 600 and 900 feet in the coastal “Occidental Highlands” where shallow sandstone soils and a benign foggy climate combine to produce grapes full of concentration, intensity, and detail. Morelli provides base richness and deep volume, while Jentoft adds savory tones and tangy mineral acidity. There’s great natural equilibrium to this vineyard partnership and the new vintage is a beautifully harmonious expression.

The wine’s aromas combine fragrant thyme, white blossom, lime zest, and pear with a savory edge of briny green olive. Lemon curd and lime oil dominate the palate which is concentrated and deeply pitched. The wine’s texture is broad and enveloping. Apricot and candied ginger notes develop with air as mineral-infused acidity buffers the wine’s natural viscosity. Pithy, lemon zest finish. Serve no cooler than 55°F and drink between mid-2023 and 2028.

Andy Smith


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Highland Divide Chardonnay  - DuMOL

Vineyard

Harvest Date

August 30th & September 10th

Appellation

Russian River Valley

Clones

Mt. Eden and Old Wente

Age of Vines at Harvest

21 years

Barrel Aging

Aged 11 months in 30% new French oak barrels from Tonnelleries Chassin & ACF followed by 5 months settling in tank

Production

1250 cases of 750mL

Press

92-94 Antonio Galloni - Vinous, January 2023