Innate Wines, Pinot Blanc 2018, Dutton Ranch Shop Block, Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

Innate Wines diligently strives to live up to its name in granting each particular grape the ability to express its innate attributes and characteristics. This of course varies with each grape varietal, from each vineyard site, and for each vintage. The Dutton Ranch Shop Block Vineyard is the original Dutton Ranch property purchase by Warren Dutton in 1964 where their ‘Shop’ remains today. Located in the coldest Green Valley AVA of Russian River Valley, cool air lingers. This microclimate allows especially for aromatic whites to develop slowly and evenly while maintaining great acidity. The dry-farmed, well-drained Goldridge soil provides small intense and balanced berries. This vineyard is also Sonoma County Sustainable and 100% Fish-Friendly farmed certified. Each hand sorted cluster was sent through a state-of-the-art destemer in which perfect whole berries emerged. The grapes were very gently pressed and put into neutral French oak puncheons where it underwent native fermentation. No battonage was applied. The wine was racked via nitrogen after three months and returned to neutral FO puncheons where it aged for a total of seven months. This wine received only a minimal amount of sulfur. The wine’s nose is profound, lush, and expressive; showcasing pear, lemon rind, apple blossom, and a ting of magnolia. Straw in color, there is immediate minerality and acidity on the palate which quickly fades to a notably full-bodied mid palate highlighting abundant asian apple pear, lemon curd, nectarine, and lychee. Tupelo honey notes add intrigue and weight before wet pebble and stone become prominent on the finish.