Dutton Goldfield, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2011

 Dutton Goldfield Freestone Hill Vineyard Pinot is for those big spenders who just love mind-bending Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. For my money this is the finest region in the United States (here come those emails from Oregon readers!) for the pinot noir grape and Dutton Goldfield is among the top three or four producers in the region. The 2011 vintage was supposed to be a disaster, and for many growers and vintners in the north coastal appellations of California it was, but this effort from Dutton Goldfield begs to differ. This vintage from the Dutton Ranch’s Freestone Hill Vineyard offers scintillating complexity and structure along with a smooth, supple mouth-feel that deceptively conceals the underlying power of this wine. The aromas run the gamut of red and black fruits, and the oak treatment is well judged, lending a spice note and overall warmth that is nothing more than an accent. Perfect.