We’re longtime followers of Sonoma-based Dutcher Crossing, and as we speak we’re testing three new releases for 2023, together with our first glowing from the vineyard, a chardonnay, and a top-shelf, reserve cabernet that’s been mellowing for six years.
NV Dutcher Crossing Posterity Reserve Blanc de Blancs – Recent and energetic, it is a basic California chardonnay-based sparkler, stuffed with brilliant apple fruit, touched with Meyer lemon and mandarin orange notes. Bracing with a mild saline high quality and punchy acidity — and backed by a average to heavy carbonation — the wine is completely positioned for summertime sipping, folding in mild floral touches late within the sport which pair nicely with its fruit-laden assault. Wonderful steadiness, California in a glass. A- / $56
2019 Dutcher Crossing Chardonnay Stuhlmuller Winery – An enormous and unrestrained oak bomb, this monster of a chardonnay begins with lemon-infused vanilla and solely goes down the rabbit gap from there. Daring on the palate with notes of toasted coconut and buttercups, the wine strikes rapidly into overtly candy territory, changing into nearly cloying by the point you’re halfway by a glass. An aggressively candylike aspect provides the end a considerably doctored high quality, although there’s not less than a modicum of citrusy acidity all through to maintain issues from falling over the sting into oblivion. B / $42
2017 Dutcher Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon Taylor Reserve – Cabernet hardly ever pops with life when instantly poured from the bottle, however this expression — after 6 years ready for launch — is as energetic a cab as you’ll discover. Lovely blueberry and blackberry notes provide a stunning introduction to a wine that segues slowly right into a extra “critical” character pushed by mild balsamic parts, dried figs, darkish chocolate, oily leather-based, and turned earth. The end sees a tart cherry aspect bringing a barely bitter be aware into focus, though it melds properly with all that’s come earlier than. Immersive and wealthy at cellar temperature, this wine loses a little bit of its appeal — and plenty of its fruit — because it warms up, so plan your service appropriately. A / $52
2017 Dutcher Crossing Cabernet Sauvignon Taylor Reserve
$52
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