Spring Release Wildrose Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
2023

Winemaker’s Notes

Our new release of Wildrose Pinot Noir—the 20th bottling of this tiny jewel of a vineyard—ranks alongside 2014, 2018 and 2021 as the finest ever. If we were to taste them as a group, you would clearly recognize the consistent aromas and flavors of the site - its terroir expression, its essence: succulent wild raspberry, a hint of rose petal and sandalwood, broad satiny texture and fresh coastal acidity. This was the first vineyard I planted in my career so holds a special place within DuMOL folklore. It’s always been organically farmed to the highest standard, and we’re able to dry-farm these deep-rooted mature vines to maximize the intensity of the fruit. During my tasting, the wine developed in complexity and texture over a three-day period in the recorked bottle, which means the building blocks of age-ability are all present. You can enjoy it this year for its beautiful, vibrant fresh fruit character and open a bottle every couple of years to track its development into the realms of mature Pinot perfection.

Explosively aromatic, with floral purity, cranberry, and Bing cherry freshness, then darker raspberry fruit and exotic Asian spice notes. On opening, the palate is fresh and vibrant with crunchy red fruit energy. With air, the wine expands to becoming languid and fluid. Its texture unfolds to become broad and enveloping. The finish is botanical, spicy, and dark toned. Drink between 2025 and 2037. Gently decant in its youth to hasten development.

Andy Smith