Fall Release Ryan Pinot Noir
2005

Winemaker’s Notes

On tasting our 2005 Ryan for the first time some two months after bottling, I was immediately struck by the wine's effortless blend of concentration and finesse - after I could stop grinning that is. As one who is typically cautious with regards to bragging rights and grandiose statements, I will say with humble confidence that I think you will love this wine. For me it typifies what we are striving to achieve with Pinot Noir at DuMol. The wine explodes straight out of the bottle with such aromatic power that you know the ride will be exciting. The brightness of the fruit is tempered by a complexity that is not fruit alone but originates in the soil where the grapes were grown. These characters, indicative of this cool growing season, offer a compelling natural combination of coastal freshness and mature vine/old clone texture that makes Green Valley such a unique place to grow Pinot Noir. While this is certainly not the largest-scale Pinot we have grown and bottled, its sheer balance and 'Pinot-essence' place it amongst our favorites and it may be the most complete expression of the Widdoes vineyard we have produced in our ten years of work there. The addition of a small amount of younger vine Dijon clone from the Abbott vineyard in the Vine Hill area helps round out the palate, adding succulence and suppleness to the finish.

Bright, medium-red color. Effusively aromatic with classic cool kirsch, violet and black tea characters, truffle and smoke. The flavors constantly evolve on the palate with pungent spicy wild berry fruit, great inner-mouth perfume and delicate length. Tannins are round and supple with plenty of punchy complexity on the back end. Aging potential of between 7 and 10 years. Serve at 60 degrees to fully enjoy the vintage purity and fine structure the wine offers.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner