2010 DuMOL Pinot Noir Estate
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Tasting notes
More backward than the 2010 Pinot Noir Finn , the 2010 Pinot Noir DuMol Estate exhibits notes of strawberry and cherry jam, a floral and damp, composty, foresty character, medium to full body, and a deep, rich, moderately tannic style. It will benefit from another 6-12 months of bottle age, and should drink well for at least a decade. 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
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Pinot Noir Estate is another of the more elegant, textured wines in the range. It captures a highly appealing stylistic middle ground between the Ryan and the Widdoes, with the aromatics and silkiness of the former and the fruit density of the latter. Sweet and perfumed through to the finish, the DuMol Estate is pure sexiness in the glass.
(55% new oak): Saturated ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of cherry-cola, licorice and incense, with a spicy note adding vivacity. Broad and intensely flavored, offering palate-staining dark fruit flavors and an energizing lick of blood orange. Chewy and focused on the impressively long finish, which features dusty tannins and clinging dark berry character.