Freddy R. Troya

9.2

The Calling “Dutton Ranch” Chardonnay 2023
Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A very expressive and generously styled Chardonnay sourced from the legendary Dutton Ranch vineyards, one of Sonoma’s most respected grower sites. The Calling crafts this bottling with a fruit-driven and naturally energetic personality, allowing the vineyard character to shine through without excessive winemaking manipulation. A Russian River Chardonnay that leans vibrant and mouthwatering rather than overly buttery or heavy.

Aromas & Flavors
Juicy tangerine, lemon curd, Honeycrisp apple, and ripe pear immediately jump from the glass. As the wine opens, layers of lemon verbena, ginger, citrus zest, jasmine, and subtle green tea nuances begin to unfold, adding complexity and freshness to the profile.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a rounded yet energetic texture. Bright acidity keeps the wine lively and refreshing while the fruit concentration gives it a generous California richness. The finish is persistent, citrus-driven, and beautifully mouthwatering.

Food Pairings
Excellent with roasted chicken, buttery seafood dishes, crab cakes, grilled salmon, creamy risotto, or triple cream cheeses.

Verdict
A compelling Russian River Chardonnay that balances generosity and freshness extremely well. The Dutton Ranch fruit gives this wine a very polished and expressive character while still maintaining tension and precision. Rich enough for California Chardonnay lovers, yet vibrant enough to remain highly approachable.

Did You Know?
Dutton Ranch is one of Sonoma’s most iconic multigenerational vineyard sources, supplying grapes to numerous top-tier California producers. Their cool-climate Russian River fruit is especially prized for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thanks to the region’s fog influence and long growing season.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is the type of Chardonnay that reminds you why Russian River Valley became world famous for the style in the first place. Expressive, mouthwatering, and dangerously easy to revisit glass after glass. Cheers! — 7 hours ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2022 vintage. Filled in nearly every box on the checklist. Nice balance and acidity now with a correspondingly appropriate finish. Quintessential California chardonnay. 1.23.26. — 4 months ago

Paul J

9.6

Somewhat cloudy gold color. Melons, camomile, and a touch of peach on the nose. Same on the palate. Massive depth and long finish. Zero acidity. Very well made. — a month ago

with Brooke

Louis Martin

9.0

Fruity citrus aroma, medium acidity, tart finish, similar in texture and flavor to a Sancerre, paired well with oysters and Mahi Mahi. — 2 months ago

Amanda Drazka

8.9

This California Chardonnay offers warm notes of butter with green apple and vanilla. It is full bodied with a long smooth finish. — 4 months ago

Anna Sangiacomo

9.3

Happy New Year 🎊🎈 🥂🍾 — 5 months ago

Daniel Akers

9.3

Like a fine burgundy, delicious — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Pale straw lemon color with aromas of tropical fruit, lime citrus and grassy aromas. On the palate flavors of pear and grapefruit with herb notes, vivid acidity. Medium+ finish, ending with fruit, grassy noted and mineral tones. — 2 months ago

Todd Anderson

9.1

Drinking quite nicely at 8+ years — 4 months ago

Austin Blackwell

9.3

Roasted pineapple, hazelnut, and a hint of citrus delivers a rebound of acidity within a rich palate. Creamy and broad with well integrated oak. — 4 months ago

with Angelina