2005 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

The 2005 Pinot Noir Russian River (2,500 cases) had recently been moved to tank and was awaiting bottling when I tasted it. It is a medium-bodied effort displaying plenty of berry fruit, dried herbs, lavender, spicy oak, and roasted meat characteristics. Savory with good acidity, it is a strong Russian River cuvee to drink over the next decade. As I said last year, DuMol is one of my favorite wineries, primarily because of the passion and commitment to quality of owner Kerry Murphy and his winemaker, Andy Smith. Previously recommended: 2003 Chardonnay Chloe (94+), 2003 Chardonnay Isobel (94), 2003 Pinot Noir Finn (93), 2003 Pinot Noir Ryan (90+), 2003 Syrah Eddie’s Patch (95). Tel. (925) 254-8922; Fax (925) 254-8942