2018 DuMOL Pinot Noir Estate

The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard comes from Swan and Calera clones planted in 2004 at a high vine density (3,630 vines per acre). Medium ruby-purple, it's richly scented of warm cranberry sauce, black cherries, tea leaves, tobacco and earth with floral notes. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with dark, earth-laced fruits cut through with bright red berry and citrusy pops. It has a firm, finely grained frame and addicting juiciness, finishing very long. Wow!

There are 780 cases of the 2018 Pinot Noir DuMOL Estate Vineyard, another awesome bottle of Pinot Noir from Andy Smith. All destemmed and aged 15 months in 45% new French oak, its deeper ruby color is followed by a stunning nose of black raspberries, scorched earth, charcoal, forest floor, and candied orange zest. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully concentrated, it has some background oak to integrate, but offers perfect balance in its tannins and acidity, a great mid-palate, and a great finish. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. This was easily the finest set of releases I have tasted from winemaker Andy Smith.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard is another wine that is showing very well today. Inky dark fruit, savory herbs, new leather, licorice and menthol are all bright and beautifully layered. Vibrant, deep and so expressive, the Estate Pinot has a ton to offer.