2011 DuMOL Chardonnay Chloe
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Tasting notes
Bright yellow, a bit less lucid than the Estate, which had already been racked off its lees. Captivating, sharply delineated aromas of citrus peel, orange marmalade and iodine. Large-scaled, sweet and thick with extract; wonderfully full, plush and seamless. Ripe lemon-candy acidity frames and intensifies the wine's citrus and stone fruit flavors. These Ritchie Vineyard vines were planted to an old Wente clone in 1972.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Chardonnay Chloe Ritchie Vineyard boasts a huge center of fruit. Rich, voluptuous and textured, the Chloe bursts from glass with superb intensity and pure class. The 2011 has more than enough density to fill out its broad-shouldered frame. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy viscous, creamy Chardonnays.
From the well-known Ritchie Vineyard, planted with 31-year-old Old Wente clones of Chardonnay, the 2011 Chardonnay Chloe is spectacular. This opulent, flamboyant Chardonnay exhibits lots of white peach, apricot marmalade, honeysuckle and caramelized citrus. Full-bodied with underlying minerality along with terrific purity, texture and sumptuousness, this gorgeous white can be enjoyed 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. Tel. (925) 254-8922
A big, broad-shouldered wine, the 2011 Chardonnay Chloe Ritchie Vineyard stands out for its pure structure, volume and richness, all buttressed by beams of acidity. The 2011 is all about balance and richness, but without excess heaviness. This is going to be another fascinating wine to follow.