2022 Du MOL Pinot Noir Ryan Dutton - Jentoft Vineyard

The 2022 Pinot Noir Ryan comes from the Dutton-Widdoes and Dutton-Jentoft Vineyards, and grapes were harvested August 18 and later on September 4, just before the Labor Day heat wave. It unfurls dramatically in the glass, where wild berries, conifer and violets are accented by tones of dusty earth, tobacco and mushroom. The medium-bodied palate is powerfully styled, with abundant, grainy tannins, bright acidity and a long, spicy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. 1,005 cases were made.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Dutton-Jentoft Vineyard is entirely from the Calera clone of Pinot Noir grown in lean soils, surrounded by forest at 900 feet elevation. In the glass, it pours a bright ruby color and reveals notes of ripe, fresh pine needles, black raspberries, and mint, as well as a resinous feel. Medium-bodied, it has nervous tension through the palate, with savory salinity and a great finish. It offers a more vertical feel, but it’s fantastic and one of the most structured wines from this vintage in the range. It’s going to benefit from another year or two in cellar and will drink well over the following 15-20 years.

This is all destemmed but shows a stem and fresh herb character, with strawberries, blueberries and briary bramble berries. It’s medium-bodied with a deepness of fruit and tight, compacted palate. Terrific structure. 50% Martini clone with the rest Calera and Swan. Needs two or three years to soften and open.