Spring Release Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
2014

Winemaker’s Notes

I sincerely believe that our collection of 2014 Pinot Noir wines is our finest to date. The quality is that impressive and perfectly consistent from vineyard to vineyard, wine to wine. It’s certainly the finest since 2002, my long time benchmark. In contrast to the generally red-fruited 2013 wines, our 2014 Pinots are all about dark fruit intensity and that includes this new vintage of the RRV. There’s real depth, concentration and personality in the wine which is the product of high-elevation, low-yielding mature vineyards, farmed with great precision and harvested just as the fruit reaches perfect maturity, not too early or late. This precision is reflected in the wine’s sleek, focused dark core. There’s a strong mineral edge to these dark fruit flavors. If 2013 was bright bing cherry, the new vintage is all morello black cherry and kirsch. It’s packed full of intricate detail, subtle nuance and soulful complexity and goes way beyond simple, upfront fruity pinot. The layers of deep flavor expand as the wine opens in the glass – focused, then chewy then silky and fine. The firm back end has great acid and tannin definition that absorbs the wine’s natural concentration, holds the power in-check and leaves the palate refreshed and mouthwatering. Very classic DuMOL RRV Pinot and a wine that will deliver increasing finesse over the next decade. This can stand toe-to-toe with this fall’s designates.

Complex layered aromas – black cherry, black pepper, cassis and graphite, full and rich. Brambly, wild and underbrushy with faded rose and pomegranate notes. Sweet fruit entry with great lift in the mouth, juicy and vibrant, sage and bay leaf detail. Becomes succulent and open, cherry liqueur and minerals. Fresh acidity and long bergamot tea infused finish. Drink between 2016 and 2022.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner