Located in the Russian River Valley less than ten miles from the Pacific Ocean, Dutton Ranch is comprised of more than 75 separate vineyards planted in the coolest areas of the appellation. Every afternoon, fog rolls in from the coast and lowers the temperature by 30-40 degrees each evening. This climate pattern not only allows Dutton Ranch fruit to ripen more slowly and accumulate more flavor concentration, it helps the grapes retain an ideal amount of natural acidity.

2019 was the first time that California had been drought-free since 2011. Winter and spring rains provided sufficient water in the soil through midsummer, with irrigation not starting until July. The vintage provided us with a mild growing season, and an average crop, in terms of quantity. Quality, however, remained outstanding.