Spring Release Wester Reach Pinot Noir
2019

Winemaker’s Notes

Our 2019 vintage of “Wester Reach” Pinot Noir is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm. It includes some of the greatest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed and harvested for over twenty years. Comprising three of the region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley itself with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor texture and volume, ridgeline fruit intensity or bright coastal acidity.

The wine’s broad base is centered upon our Flax Estate overlooking the river in the Middle Reach. Here we find volume, structure and density from hillside volcanic soils. On the deeper clays of the Santa Rosa Plains, Hanna Vineyard offers broad fruit extract and textural richness. At higher elevation on a ridgetop overlooking the Green Valley, Upp Road Vineyard offers soaring red and black fruit aromatics of gorgeous purity. The neighboring Widdoes Vineyard provides classic black cherry fruit intensity and old vine woodsy complexity. As we leave the valley itself and inch towards the coast, our own DuMOL Estate ties all these layers together with dark fruit intensity, savory spice, and bright vibrancy.

This is a beautiful lilting, dynamic wine - the essence of coastal Russian River Pinot Noir. The wine’s aromas and flavors encompass the entire spectrum of red and black fruits, savory spices and earthy undertones: black cherry, wild berries, dried thyme, orange zest, sandalwood and black tea. The palate is supple, broad and lively and flows seamlessly to a crunchy vibrant finish with rising red-mineral lift and silky structure. Drink from Summer 2021 to 2030. 

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner