At a glance

Producer

Dutton-Goldfield Winery

Region

Marin County, California, USA

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$76-90 USD

Tasting profile

Raspberry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, black tea, subtle earth, savory spice; vibrant acidity and lifted aromatics.

Evolution: Fruit will cede to earth, forest floor, dried herbs, and truffle notes with time; tannins will soften and integrate further.

At peak: Elegant balance of red fruit, complex savoriness, silky texture, and harmonious acidity.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, vibrant, gives lift and ageability

Tannins

Silky and moderate; fine-grained with gentle grip

Alcohol

Medium (typically 13.0%-14.2%)

Aging potential

Excellent for California Pinot; 7-10 years is expected

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2031

Current status

approachable but youthful; primary fruit is vibrant, tannins integrating

Current condition

Bright, juicy fruit with emerging tertiary complexity

This site in cool-climate Marin yields structured, vibrant Pinots that show best with 3-6 years age. 2021’s freshness and concentration point to an ideal drinking window after a few years’ cellaring, peaking as tertiary elements unfold, but retaining fruit vibrancy up to 10 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Grilled salmon, roast duck, wild mushrooms, herb-roasted chicken, aged cheese.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Dutton-Goldfield focuses on sustainable vineyard management: recyclable packaging, water conservation, cover cropping, drip irrigation, solar energy for operations, and native yeast in winemaking. Vineyards adhere to sustainable pest and weed control, with habitat protection for local species.

Dutton-Goldfield is a leader in sustainability within Sonoma/Marin, following California’s strict sustainable winegrowing codes. While not fully organic or biodynamic, their rigorous conservation, renewable energy use, and smart agriculture merit a high sustainability score. Improvements could come from broader adoption of organics or carbon offsetting in logistics.