Our Selection for Wine of the Week February 14, 2011
Dutton-Goldfield
2008 Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah Russian River Valley, California
Although Dutton-Goldfield Winery is a mere 13 years old, the Dutton name goes back multiple generations in the Sonoma County, California, wine business. One of many companies in the region to bear the family name, Dutton Goldfield is located in one of the wine country's premier regions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the two varietals in which Dutton-Goldfield specializes. But in addition to producing several vineyard and site-specific Pinots and Chards, the winery also makes a vineyard-specific Syrah in very small production. The Cherry Ridge Syrah is grown on a south-facing slope that is far warmer than typical Russian River vineyards. The resulting wine is lush with sweet fruit including black cherry, blackberry and blueberry. On the nose there are classic Syrah notes of pepper and spice. A Syrah made in a distinctly American style, its ripe fruit flavors mingle in the mouth with Middle Eastern spices and a hint of leather. Try it with robust meat dishes like tenderloin in blackberry sauce or duck leg with cherries. The wine will also work nicely with hard, semi-aged cheeses and, for vegetarians, an earthy root vegetable stew.