Medium salmon color; tart raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, cherry, green apple, lemon-citrus, almond, caramel, brioche on the nose and palate.
Brut; no tannins; racy acidity (3.05 pH; 8.2 g/L TA). Light, uplifting body with tiny bubbles. Blend of 57% pinot noir, Russian River Valley 2019, 38% pinto noir, Russian River Valley 2020, 5% chardonnay, Clone 809, Dry Creek Valley 2020. Half the juice barrel fermented, half with native yeasts. Aged 20 months on the lees in the bottle for depth and complexity. Sharp, tasty, sophisticated pour best enjoyed now—released in August 2022. 12% ABV
Debra Mathy purchased Dutcher Crossing in 2007 to fulfill a lifelong yearning to own a winery in Sonoma County. The operation came with 35 acres that made five wines. In ensuing years, Debra and her team expanded on her dream. Today, Dutcher Crossing creates more than 30 wines from a variety of wine regions in Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties and owns 75 acres of estate-designated vintage.
The website notes the winery’s vision and philosophy: “Our belief is simple—to be a well-balanced, three-legged stool. Leg one is make the best wine we can staying true to the vineyard, vintage, and varietal. The second leg is the beautiful sense of place within our vineyards and winery. Finally, our third leg is hospitality. Whether you are a long-time visitor or new to the property, we want to welcome and treat everyone as we would our own mothers. With the balance of all three legs, we create an experience like none other in Sonoma County.”
The vintage penny-farthing bicycle on the label pays homage to Debra’s passion as a cyclist and collector. It also is a tribute to her father, who encouraged Debra to pursue her dreams. Today, Debra has tasked vineyard manager Enrique Reyes and winemaker Nick Briggs to take carry on the vision into the next generation. Briggs notes: “We are only as good as we are because of the people we surround ourselves with.” Grace Reserve is a tribute to Debra’s great niece.
Dutcher Crossing Grace Reserve Russian River Valley Brut Rosé NV is very brisk with significant acidity backbone supporting fresh raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry fruit notes. Depth and complexity from 20 months bottle aging on the lees. Sophisticated effort with power and attitude. No wimp pink sparkling this. $59
Pairing—seafood; smoke salmon, salmon or pork rillettes; light poultry, roasted chicken, chicken lettus wraps, fried chicken. Grilled, roasted vegetables. Works as an assertive aperitif. Cheese—baked feta bruschetta; fresh mozzarella; triple-cream cheese, Brillat-Savarin, Seal Bay Triple Crown; brie, camembert, fresh chèvre; aged chèvre, humboldt fog; feta, halloumi; mild blue cheese, Roaring Forties Blue; gruyère. Charcuterie board with toasted walnuts and thin wheat crackers, fresh strawberries, honey or fig jam.
