Spring Release Russian River Valley Chardonnay
2012

Winemaker’s Notes

2012 is undeniably a magnificent vintage for Chardonnay grown in the western Russian River district. The season was generally mild, just slightly warmer than its 2010 and 2011 predecessors and this RRV release nicely combines the expansive richness of 2010 with the pinpoint focus of the cooler 2011 season. It’s a wine that can be enjoyed now for its citrus and grapefruit intensity or aged for five to six years to allow the natural hazelnut/truffle characters to emerge. With time in the glass a lovely beeswax/honeyed quality comes forth which nicely offsets the wine’s inherent dry, precise structure. It’s one of our most balanced RRV offerings to date. The fruit, barrel and structural elements are in total harmony so you get richness and texture without a sense of heaviness, and great length on the palate that flows on and on. It’s really a delicious combination. A trademark DuMOL bottling.

Youthful aromas, at first quite savory – sea shells, honeydew melon, grapefruit intensity, even a touch of green olive. Floral lilies, beeswax and white peach develop the richness. Lime sherbet, slate and mineral are constantly appearing. Very classic RRV, long and piercing. Intensely mouthwatering finish. Honey and lemon richness lingers. Serve at no cooler than 55 degrees to allow the wine’s full texture to sing.

Andy Smith