DuMOL 2021 Ryan Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley 97 Points

Robert Parker 97 Points: “The 2021 Pinot Noir Ryan has a medium ruby color and autumnal scents of truffle and forest floor, cinnamon and Earl Grey tea leaves complementing a core of wild berry fruit. (In 2021, the wine comes from the Dutton-Jentoft and Widdoes vineyards rather than 100% from Jentoft as in previous vintages.) The medium-bodied palate is supple and detailed with a concentrated core of mineral-driven fruit. It has a silky texture, energetic acidity, and a long, layered finish. This is so delicious and very easy to drink!

TWI (Lisa Perotti-Brown) 97 Points: “The 2021 Pinot Noir Ryan is a blend of two Dutton Ranch Vineyards, 56% Widdoes and 44% Jentoft. No whole-cluster fermentation was used. Medium ruby-purple in color, it pops from the glass with evocative, classic scents of black cherries, boysenberries, and pomegranate with suggestions of red roses, forest floor, and cinnamon toast. The medium-bodied palate is seductively plush and juicy, laden with expressive red and black berry layers, finishing long and pure”

Winemaker Notes: “Our first vintage of Ryan Pinot Noir was 2002 and it featured Dutton-Widdoes Vineyard at its core. This vineyard is one of the earliest plantings in Green Valley – 1984. At that time the vineyards were wide-spaced, planted without irrigation, and grown on a trellis that shaded the fruit. Now, all these years later we have hardy, experienced vines that have pretty much-seen everything, and in these days of climatic extremes, these deep-rooted vines can tolerate drought and heat without issue. The fruit is uniquely characterful – wild berries, rich umami/truffle notes, and underbrush/woodsy complexity. When we layer in some bright coastal Jentoft fruit, the blend comes alive and infuses every corner of your palate. I’ve always loved that first 2002 Ryan bottling and this new vintage takes me back to our earlier DuMOL days. A wine for reflection.  The aromatics highlight the essence of our coastal Green Valley environment: wild berries, thyme, spearmint, truffle, and freshly tilled soil. The wine is poised, vibrant and dynamic with a dark fruit pastille core then cherry, licorice, and briary notes. Concentrated and deep but always bright and quite tight knit with drawn-out length and fresh focusing acidity on a spicy finish. “