This Green Valley expression of Pinot Noir was grown for Beau Vigne’s Kirk Venge by the Dutton family, cornerstone growers in the Russian River Valley. Comprised of two neighboring blocks of Pommard and Dijon clones, half-way between the coastline and our own Estate Soul Patch Vineyard, nestled on a slope directly east of the Russian River’s transition to the Ocean. This is one of the coolest climate sites in the Russian River Valley – creating mouthwatering acidity, exotic aromas, and a complex fruit profile centered around the signature blueberry notes Green Valley is known for.
The Dutton family’s farming heritage goes back to the 19th century. Great-grandson Warren Dutton Jr. grew up picking prunes and hops on the farm. In 1964, Warren and his wife Gail bought their first 35 acres west of the town of Graton. In the early days, most people knew the Duttons for their fruit stand, where Gail and sons Joe and Steve peddled pears, prunes, apples, dried fruit and gift packs to passing motorists. At the same time, Warren had the foresight to plant wine grapes just prior to the downturn in the apple industry. Although Warren died in 2001, Gail and sons Steve and Joe Dutton continued the family vision and farm 1,300 acres; 1,100 acres of grapes and 200 acres of CCOF Certified Organic apples predominately within the Russian River Valley appellation.