2005 DuMOL Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. This established producer has a stellar lineup of wines including Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier. Owners Michael Verlander and Kerry Murphy tend to lead a low profile with very minimal public exposure and let their wines speak for themselves. The winemaker and viticulturist is talented Andy Smith. In addition to the Russian River Valley bottling, there are three special Pinot Noirs called “aiden,” “ryan,” and “finn” each of which contain fruit from a different combination of Russian River and Green Valley vineyards. · This is something special from start to finish. A perfume of violets and lavender gives way in the glass to syrupy dark cherry and toast. Nicely focused flavors of rich dark cherries and berries with a deft hint of oak and fennel. Creamy in texture with a full mouth feel, this wine will find many fans. There is some retail (ie Brown Derby in Missouri, www.brownderby.com) and restaurant distribution, but most of the wine is sold through a mailing list to Pre-release Members. 925-254-8922. Reviewed October 20, 2007

Winery: DuMOL
From article: Small Sips of Pinot