2020 Estate Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
0.8 ha on sandy clay surrounded by redwoods. An east-facing, dry-farmed site 12 miles from the ocean that sees lots of fog, planted in 2005. Andy Smith wanted to do something unique so the vineyard was planted with 9,000 rather than 3,000 vines per hectare – more than a traditional Burgundy vineyard. Forest and vine density brings lots of shading to vines. Lots of dew. 1 or 2 September harvest with each bunch only 65 g. Mt Eden selection. ‘Our pride and joy’, according to Smith. pH 3.2, TA >7 g/l. Less exuberant and more reserved nose than the Highland Divide and Hyde Vineyard Chardonnays. Some mineral notes and very pure fruit. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Chardonnay DuMOL Estate Vineyard is another super-fragrant wine with notes of green apple Jolly Rancher candy, fresh white blossoms, and a delicate hint of flint. The palate is ripe and inviting, and the wine juicy and long on the finish, with lemon curd and fresh herbs. Drink it over the next 20 years.
The 2020 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard is scented of apricot, jasmine, cashew and pretty herbal undertones, with youthful new oak spices. The medium-bodied palate offers unmatched concentration and balancing freshness, with a broad, satiny texture, a deep core of stone fruit and a very long, flavorful finish. This will continue to unwind in bottle over the next decade.
The 2020 Chardonnay DuMOL Estate Vineyard is classy, elegant and wonderfully polished from start to finish. Lemon confit, flowers, white pepper and chalk are some of the notes that grace this exquisite Chardonnay from DuMOL. All the elements are so nicely put together.