2010 DuMol Russion River Valley Pinot Noir

Connoisseurs Guide

Despite leaning to ripeness in its initial aromas, this wine comes with plenty of black cherry fruit in tow and adds in distinct oaky richness and a quiet walnut-like note. It is medium-full-bodied in palate weight and turns out to be lighter on its feet than first impressions seem to advise, and its near-supple texture and nicely crafted fruit hold it in good stead through to a balanced, mid-depth finish. (10/ 2012)

K&L Notes

This 2010 Russian River Pinot Noir from DuMol is a blend of 34% Dutton Ranch, 16% Gunsalus, 12% DuMOL Estate, 10% Abbott, 8% Hansel, 8% Joy Rd, 6% Greywacke, and 6% Sonoma Stage. The clusters were hand-harvested and sorted in the vineyard and again sorted at the winery before native yeast fermentation. The wine then spent 11 months in 35% new French oak. From winemaker Andy Smith: "Bright ruby red. Warm, inviting aromas draw you in: bright and lively then dark and complex. Wild cherry, fresh raspberry, sassafras and grilled meat. Complex tobacco and cocoa notes. Juicy palate entry then a fine interplay between red and black fruits. Black tea, cranberry and apple skin tartness. Darker woodsy-truffle notes. Broad silky texture develops with air but always framed by muscular enveloping tannins." The 2009 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir garnered 90 points from James Suckling and Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine.