Typicité Pinot Noir Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley 2022

Collin Cranor and Craig Ploof created this outstanding label to show what great vineyards of California should taste like, taking into account the dominant soil types and the terroir of the regions they showcase. This 2022 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir out of the Russian River Valley translates that mission fantastically with its luscious, fruit-forward, silky, and distinctively RRV savory style. Even better, it’s only $29.95 (more than half off!) for top-notch, single-vineyard Pinot.

Typicite founders and winemakers Collin and Craig wanted to pay homage to single-vineyard wines and their unique expressions, and this singular style from the highly-respected, sixth-generation farming family, the Duttons of Dutton Ranch, is all that and then some.

The Duttons started as Sonoma fruit farmers (mostly apples) in the late 1800s before making their way to the wine industry, and that is where their legacy truly begins. They farm their vineyards thoughtfully, with all parcels certified organic and sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and California Certified Organic Farmers. Some of California’s best producers scramble to get access to choice plots of the Duttons’ vineyards – with many of these wines commanding three-digit prices. We’re well shy of that mark today at under $30 a bottle.

Typicite’s Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir is fermented with whole clusters at 30% in open-top stainless steel fermenters, with gentle pumpovers two to three times per day. It’s aged for 10 months in 100% French oak – 50% of which is new – to give this a bold, and powerful expression of Russian River… not unlike Kosta Browne and other full-throttle Pinot Noirs. Furthermore, Craig and Collin are very specific about what kinds of barrels they use. Most come from Francois Freres and Remond – top French coopers – to add a signature finesse and elegance to the final wine. In this instance? Perfection. Medium-bodied with cherry, raspberry, and rose petals on the nose, with pomegranate and strawberry on the palate, along with some earthiness like all of the best Pinot Noirs. It’s incredibly enjoyable with each sip, unbelievably delicious, and simply ludicrously priced. Grab yours while we have it – under $30 a bottle for Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir is a steal!

FOOD PAIRINGS: Roasted skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs with lemony-herb potatoes and a peppery arugula side salad will do just fine indeed!