2011 Finn Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
(from a 20-year-old block of mixed clones): Good full red. Reticent but pure nose hints at black cherry. Sappy and tight, showing little in the way of easy sweetness but communicating an impression of strong extract. With aeration, red and darker fruit flavors emerged and the wine softened to show a more velvety texture. This pinot has a relatively high pH for the vintage (3.6) and will rely more on its tannins than on its acidity for spine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Pinot Noir Finn is soft, seductive and polished. Here it is the wine's sensuality and racy, perfumed personality that stands out most. This is one of the most forward, fruit-driven Pinots. At the same time the Finn is beautifully layered, supple and perfumed throughout. Bright floral and red-toned tones add considerable lift on the finish.
A stunning effort is the 2011 Pinot Noir Finn, which comes from the DuMol Vineyard (two-thirds) and the rest from vineyards near Occidental on the Sonoma Coast. Made from multiple clones, it possesses fabulous intensity for a 2011 along with a deep plum/ruby/purple-tinged color, and a sweet perfume of boysenberries, blackberries and cherries intermixed with hints of lavender and forest floor. This beautifully textured, full-bodied, shockingly superb 2011 Pinot Noir was clearly harvested before the damaging rains began in October. Enjoy it over the next 6-8 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. Tel. (925) 254-8922
The 2011 Pinot Noir Finn is a blend of 65% DuMol O'Connell Vineyard and 35% Occidental Road. Sweet tannins and saline notes support a core of racy, deeply expressive fruit as the Finn opens up in the glass. This is another wine where the balance and overall harmony speak loudest of all. The rich, textured finish laced with dark red berries, savory herbs and earthiness is deeply satisfying.