2009 DuMol “Clare’s Vineyard” Chardonnay

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$70 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt

DuMol produces a wine range of wines—from chardonnay to syrah to viognier, but the winery is especially appreciated for its single-vineyard pinots.  A darling of Robert Parker, DuMol’s pinots consistently score in the 90s, as does this month’s selection, which earned 92 points.

Andy Smith has been winemaker since 2000, and he works out of a nearly 20,000-square-foot winery that went online in 2005 capable of producing up to 20,000 cases per year.  The winery was launched in 1996 by partners Michael Verlander, Kerry Murphy and Smith.

Winery Tasting Notes:  “Light golden color; Rich full aromas of tangerine, ripe stone fruits, oatmeal, vanilla, a fresh spearmint edge with faint ginger and truffle notes. Very powerful stone fruit entry, lemon oil, saffron, nutmeg and pineapple. Rich weighty mid palate with sweet lime and lemongrass. Racy acidity picks up back end with length and persistence. Building almond flavor to the finish. Serve no cooler than 55 degrees. Drink between 2012 and 2016.”

Wine Advocate Review (92 points):   “. . .a beautiful, focused wine.  It possesses the textural richness that is typical of the Clare Hyde Vineyard, but with quite a bit of minerality and freshness as well.  Clean saline notes frame this nicely delineated finish.  This parcel was planted with Wente clones 17 years ago.  Anticipated maturity:  2014-2021.

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