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2006 Spring Releases

DuMol makes some of the countries best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay as well as a small amount of Syrah and Viognier. We spent the better part of two years begging and pleading with proprietor Kerry Murphy to sell us some of his wine. Our perseverance paid off. 

A few of us had the great fortune to taste the spring release of these outstanding wines recently at the DuMOL spring barbeque. The 2006 lineup looks to be another outstanding release. These wines are all showing great elegance, structure, and balance. Don’t be left out as these wines will sell out very quickly as in years past.

The fruit is sourced exclusively from the Russian River Valley. This small coastal region produces some of the finest Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah fruit in the world. They work with a small line-up of dedicated growers in the heart of the appellation, mostly centered near the small town of Graton in the sub-appellation of Green Valley.

The vineyards are between eight and twelve miles from the Pacific coast on a series of ridge tops at an elevation of 400 to 800 feet. The coastal influence of summer fog and afternoon breezes moderate temperatures, lengthens the ripening season and creates intense flavors with lower potential alcohols and natural balancing acidity levels.

2006 Chardonnay RRV $49.95 

(91-93)RP
"The 2006 Chardonnays follow suit, with the 2006 Chardonnay Russian River beautifully floral, with plenty of honeysuckle, citrus oil, mineral, and hazelnut. It is ripe, fleshy, and altogether a delicious example of this varietal that should drink nicely for 4-5 years."

Proprietor Kerry Murphy and his winemaker, Andy Smith, are doing sensational work in the cool-climate areas of the Russian River. This has become one of my favorite tastings of the year, and not only are their Chardonnays and Pinot world-class, but they have extended their brilliance to both Viognier and Syrah. This is a winery that is clearly on top of its game and pushing all the right buttons in terms of quality.

2006 Pinot Noir RRV $59.95

Offers the telltale combination of vibrant, fresh red fruits & darker more subtle earthy aromas & flavors of Pinot. A good deep ruby red color leads to vibrant aromas of bright cherry, cola & raspberry with darker notes of licorice and smoke. Fresh red fruits dominate the entry and evolve into black cherry and blackcurrant on a broad, layered mid-palate. Can be enjoyed immediately but will benefit from an additional three years to allow the natural fruit sweetness & earthy character to evolve.

2006 Syrah RRV $53.95

A deep purple-black color precedes a pungently aromatic nose of black raspberry, violet, pepper and lavender. The palate has immediate power and penetrating dense cassis and blackberry fruit, brightened by more floral high notes of graphite and minerals. Currently youthfully tight with rich chewy tannins, the length of the wine comes forth with aeration to show complex notes of roast meat and smoke and a sense of liveliness from bright acidity. Fans of sheer Californian power will enjoy this wine on release, while three to four years of cellar time will allow the natural gamy/floral aspects of Russian River syrah to come to the fore.

Across the board, the '06 wines are characterized by the great intensity of cool climate fruit, with rich yet elegant textures, balanced by prominent and satisfying acidity. The Pinots are fruit-forward wines for drinking on release or in the first couple years.

The Chardonnays are a strong follow-up to the compelling '05 vintage; piercingly intense citrus and stone fruits, currently youthfully tight on the mid-palate, with plenty of palate staining acidity. They most critically rely on powerful natural fruit extract, from low yielding old vines, for their inherent richness.

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