DuMOL 2018 Pinot Noir Jentoft Vineyard “Ryan” Russian River Valley – 98 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points: “Moving to the Pinot Noirs, this is easily the finest lineup I’ve tasted from Andy Smith. These are magical wines that check in at the top of the vintage. The 2018 Pinot Noir Jentoft Vineyard Ryan comes from the Russian River Valley and was all destemmed and spent 15 months in 40% new French oak. This is classic Pinot Noir all the way with its ripe black raspberry, baking spices, forest floor, background oak, and earth. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it’s seamless, flawlessly balanced, and has a great, great finish. It’s a stunning example of world-class Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years or so.”

Andy Smith Notes: “There’s a good punch to the aromas, which are simultaneously bright and dark: cranberry, black cherry and rhubarb. Highly perfumed Asian spice, juniper and orange peel lend support. The palate is lively and juicy—the flavors of black raspberry, huckleberry and pomegranate vivid and intense with a lovely inner-mouth floral lift. The wine has outstanding cut and definition with lingering hints of peat moss and sweet tobacco that fan out on the seamless mineral finish.”