Dutton Estate Winery, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Chardonnay 2021

 I’ve said it before, and I hope I will say it again — I’m enjoying the trend toward more balance in Chardonnay, and by that I mean a little more acidity and a little less oak influence.  This wine is a fine example, using partial malolactic fermentation and some fruit aged in stainless steel and concrete egg in addition to oak barrels.  Winemaker Bobby Donnell balances the different lots beautifully here, expressing floral notes, mixed citrus, bright pear and apple over lively acidity easy with complementary oak spice accents.  It hits my crisp-and-creamy markers and finishes zesty.  Well done!