2017 DuMOL Pinot Noir Estate Flax Vineyard

This is the first vintage of the Flax Estate single bottling from Dumol. Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Flax Estate is very prettily perfumed on the mineral-driven nose, offering up red cherry preserves, crushed strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate with rock dust, clove, Earl Grey tea leaves and violet accents. Light to medium-bodied, it's very intensely flavored in the mouth, giving up exotic spices, mineral and ripe fruit character, with finely dispersed, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity driving you toward another sip on the very long, very layered finish. Wow!

The 2017 Pinot Noir Flax Estate Vineyard comes from a vineyard next to Rochioli and is all Pommard clones (from 21-year-old vines) that spent 15 months in 50% new oak. One of my favorites in the lineup, it has classic Pommard earthiness and forest floor as well as beautiful red and black currants, loads of spice, medium to full body, lots of tannins, integrated acidity, and a great, great finish. This is a complete, complex, brilliant Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that’s going to have two decades of longevity.

Another addition to the range the 2017 Pinot Noir Flax Estate Vineyard is another stellar wine. Andy Smith has done a tremendous job balancing the natural richness of the Russian River with tons of supporting structure. The flavors are fresh, floral-infused and super-inviting. A rush of red cherry jam, wild flowers, mint and hard candy build into the extroverted finish. This is a dazzling wine. Sadly, there are just four barrels to go around.