2023 Chardonnay Chloe

The 2023 Chardonnay Chloe comes from the Dumol Bressay Estate and Flora Marie vineyards. Grapes were harvested September 11, 13 and 30, and the wine was matured for 11 months in 26% new French Damy barrels, followed by six months in tank. Initial wafts of candle smoke, flint and crème brûlée give way to green melon, panna cotta and spring honey aromas. The full-bodied palate is bursting with fragrant flavors, and its new oak is seamlessly integrated. Silky in texture, its generosity is foiled by bright acidity, and it has a long, layered finish. 1,450 cases were made.

The 2023 Chardonnay Chloe is from the Flora Marrie Vineyard on Eastside Road, on volcanic red clay, gravelly soils on a plateau bench, and the rest is from behind the vineyard house on clay and sand. One of the richer wines in the range, it’s ripe but also savory on the nose, with golden peach, toasted incense, hints of toasted spice, and savory underpinnings. The palate is full and has some added depth of structure, with elegant length. Drink 2025-2035. Late last year, Andy Smith handed over the winemaking portion of his title to Jenna Davis. Jenna has been with the winery for over ten years, joining as a harvest intern in 2014 and working up to assistant winemaker. Andy retains his roles as partner and winegrower at DuMOL but was ready to pass the torch to the next generation in the winery’s legacy. The 2023s for this report were tasted in Sonoma with Andy and Jenna, as they have been for all three years of my coverage. Earning top marks for what this vintage has to offer, across the range the wines capture freshness and retain the focused concentration that gives them serious potential for longevity.

This shows nicely the richness and pure fruit flavors of the Russian River Valley, yet it’s balanced by good, vibrant acidity. So plush and mouth-filling, broad and rather ripe, offering golden apples, baked pears and tempting pastry shop spices. Drink now.