Fall Release DuMOL Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
2017

Winemaker’s Notes

Of all our Pinots, the Estate bottling typically takes the longest to show its true self, an inner depth that requires a bit more time in the cellar. This is the result of the site’s high-density planting—triple the number of vines per acre compared to most Pinot vineyards. Tight row spacing shades the fruit from the hottest summer sun, allowing the grapes to retain the full range of aroma and flavor precursors that are extracted into the wine, maximizing its potential detail, complexity and longevity.

In its youth, the wine is dominated by spicy red fruits and complex savory herbal notes: red currant and underbrush elements. As the wine ages, its inherent dark character begins to evolve and take center stage: black raspberry and dark cherry with woodsy terroir signatures. In whichever phase of development you catch the wine, it always delivers an elevated site signature, the taste of the place, and that’s the highest calling of any great vineyard.

I suggest gently decanting this wine as it’s quite tightly wound. As it opens, aromas of cranberry, black raspberry and black cherry emerge. Oregano leaf and dried thyme add detail. The palate is focused and linear upon entry with good acid tension and obvious deep lurking power. The bright, spicy herbal tones give way to a broad layered texture; there’s lovely horizontal flow here. All elements are wonderfully intertwined with an extended flavor delivery across the entire arc of the palate. This vintage will be very long-lived; fifteen years should be no problem. Open your first bottles in late 2020.

Andy Smith