2023 Finn Pinot Noir

The 2023 Pinot Noir Finn is one of the most sensual, supple wines in this range. Soft contours wrap around a core of black cherry, plum, espresso, dried herbs and leather. The 2023 possesses gorgeous mid-palate resonance and texture, all of which enhance its decidedly extroverted personality. This is classic Russian River Pinot.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Finn comes mainly from Dumol’s Bressay Estate Vineyard, plus a smaller portion from the Occidental Road Vineyard. Grapes were harvested on September 15 and 25, and the wine was matured for 15 months in 40% new French oak. It has multifaceted aromas of blackberry, blueberry, juniper, iron and garrigue. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and energetic with intense, kaleidoscopic flavors structured by refined, silky tannins. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity that lures you back to the glass for another sip, and it has a very long, layered finish. It unfurled dramatically for several days after being opened and should be long lived in the cellar. 900 cases were made.

The ruby-hued 2023 Pinot Noir Finn comes two-thirds from sandy soils and one-third from clay soils. It has fantastic balance, with pristine notes of preserved cranberries, raspberries, fresh flowers, and wet stones. Medium-bodied, it floats on the palate with fine tannins that are well-defined, refreshing acidity, and a seamless feel all around. A beautiful wine with a chalky mineral texture and a long, floating finish, it’s always a pleasure to taste this cuvée, and this vintage is no exception. Drink 2026-2046. Late last year, Andy Smith handed over the winemaking portion of his title to Jenna Davis. Jenna has been with the winery for over ten years, joining as a harvest intern in 2014 and working up to assistant winemaker. Andy retains his roles as partner and winegrower at DuMOL but was ready to pass the torch to the next generation in the winery’s legacy. The 2023s for this report were tasted in Sonoma with Andy and Jenna, as they have been for all three years of my coverage. Earning top marks for what this vintage has to offer, across the range the wines capture freshness and retain the focused concentration that gives them serious potential for longevity.