Spring Release Russian River Valley Chardonnay
2013

Winemaker’s Notes

2013 is an extremely strong Chardonnay vintage in coastal Sonoma County. At this early stage, the wines remind me of 2005, one of our finest ever set of Chardonnay bottlings. These wines will drink well soon after release but their aging potential is what sets them apart; they have the potential to improve in bottle for five to seven years. The 2013 RRV is a classic DuMOL bottling. Taut, citric and mineral at first, with air it blossoms and unfolds to white peaches, honeyed apple and waxy lanolin richness. It’s an incredibly tangy vibrant wine, richer and broader than the saline, oyster-shell aromas initially suggest. It’s more muscular and focused than the broader 2012 bottling, with higher acidity and greater intricate detail; quite European in style. The wine deepens considerably, but remains perfectly fresh, in a partially opened bottle over a couple of days. Over the next few years I expect this wine will reveal many layers of richness and texture that are currently bound up in its youthful structure.

Focused, piercing aromas of pear, lemon zest and cut grass with a flinty, chalky mineral edge. Crisp apple and lime juice on the palate broadens to ripe melon and white peach. Linear entry expands to layers of ripe stone fruits, almond and nutmeg. Electric acidity brings focus and balance to the persistent smoky finish. Serve at no cooler than 55 degrees to allow the natural texture to come forth.

Andy Smith