2011 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

The beautiful 2011 Pinot Noir Russian River, a nine vineyard blend, was made from four clonal selections, the Dijon, Swan, Mt. Eden and Calera clones. Its dark plum/ruby hue is accompanied by notes of sassafras, black currants, licorice and a hint of lavender. This medium to full-bodied, velvety textured, lush, heady, evolved Pinot was aged 11 months on its lees in 35% new French oak. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Since its founding in 1996, DuMol has been one of the superstar wineries of the entire California North Coast. They primarily focus on gorgeous Burgundian-styled Chardonnays from cool micro-climates as well as Pinot Noirs, with the added attraction of one Viognier and one or two Syrahs. They have been consistent from the beginning with winemaker Andy Smith, who has a brilliant record not only at DuMol, but at several other estates where he is the full-time winemaker, particularly the Napa Valley estate of Larkmead, just north of St. Helena. All five 2011 Chardonnays I tasted merit serious attention from consumers. Forget the difficulties of this vintage as DuMol came through with flying colors. All of the 2011 Pinot Noirs were harvested before the heavy rains fell in October, except for the Cuvee Ian, which was completely declassified. The three vintages of Syrah Eddie’s Patch I tasted come from a vineyard called Hoppe-Kelly, which is planted in red soils southeast of Healdsburg, near Chalk Hill.