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 Vintage2008 Label 2 of 56 
TypeRed
ProducerDuMOL (web)
VarietyPinot Noir
DesignationRyan
Vineyardn/a
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionSonoma County
AppellationRussian River Valley

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2012 and 2019 (based on 6 user opinions)
Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See DuMOL Pinot Noir Ryan (Widdoes Vineyard) on the Wine Market Journal.

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 92.7 pts. and median of 93 pts. in 44 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by rustyRudy on 9/2/2022 & rated 94 points: Dark red/ purple, baking spice, cinnamon toast snd fresh berries in the nose, drinking very well, tart cherry and raspberry,with a very citrus tart finish (422 views)
 Tasted by redz on 5/27/2021 & rated 92 points: Luscious cotton candy nose, chewy pinot. mature flavors. just great taste, long mouth-watering finish. Purchased from Joseph Phelps' personal cellar auction in December. Thanks Joe, RIP. (689 views)
 Tasted by jshufelt on 8/15/2018 & rated 93 points: Largely consistent with previous tasting notes, but perhaps ever so slightly over the hill? Still a lovely bottle, but if you have some, now might be the time to check in on it. (1394 views)
 Tasted by drrobvino on 6/2/2018 & rated 85 points: This is a big and intense version of RRV Pinot Noir. For me, it is too up front and jammy/fruity, and a bit fat due to slightly inadequate acidity.
The fruits show strawberry, over-ripe plum, and blueberry jam, with cooking spices in the upper register.
The tannins are melting away, and the less-than-optimal acidity makes the finish short and simplistic. Drink now. (1394 views)
 Tasted by slywka7 on 1/1/2018 & rated 95 points: Aromas of strawberry, mushroom, cherry and earth. Flavors of cherry pie, strawberry, earth and mineral. Ends with a 35 second finish. Bit cool but still drinking very young.

Update: within 25 minutes this really opened up. Upping my score. (1492 views)
 Tasted by up4wine on 12/5/2017 & rated 92 points: I am becoming a big fan of these older Dumol wines. Rich, full wines with excellent integration of acid, fruit, and tannin. Nice bite at the front and a big tour of the fruit and secondary notes on the way to a slow and persistent finish. I think the '07 might be better than the '08 from this winery. (1321 views)
 Tasted by mattdathan on 3/18/2017 & rated 94 points: Simply sublime! (1530 views)
 Tasted by Naso on 3/25/2016 & rated 94 points: This is what a burgundy (oh! I mean PN) should taste like. Great cherry fruit and balance but not overpowering like many of the Oregon and California PNs have become. This is in its sweet spot (1907 views)
 Tasted by Bob in NC on 1/1/2016 & rated 88 points: Not our favorite bottle of DUMol Pinot Noir. This '08 still has big fruit, almost over the top, that is balanced somewhat with the acidity. Flavors of bing cherry, raisen and prune fruits. The cinnamon spice is muted and not in balanced with the fruit. The finish is very pleasant and lingering, making it the best part of this wine. (1650 views)
 Tasted by jshufelt on 11/13/2015 & rated 94 points: Consistent with previous tasting notes. The tannins are still there, in the background, which makes me think there is still more positive evolution ahead for what is already a really nice wine. (1671 views)
 Tasted by pjhr on 8/28/2015 & rated 94 points: Delicious ripe berry, floral, and vanilla oak on the nose and rich palate with delectable acidity and tannins on the long finish. Drinking beautifully! (1740 views)
 Tasted by winelover1808 on 3/11/2015 & rated 92 points: great RRV nose. Fruit and some hints of spice on the finish. Balance of acidity and fruit in the mouth is there with a long finish. at its peak. delish. (1679 views)
 Tasted by CMN on 8/2/2014: Double Blind Pinot Tasting at T&T's (Tina's House): Impressions: Garnet color. Most powerful nose of the night. Dark red berries, medium acid, low+ tannins. Rather soft on the palate. Short finish. Tasty, but it left me wanting more. 87 (2328 views)
 Tasted by napasoutherner on 2/8/2014 & rated 93 points: Wonderful wine. Opened for about 15 minutes before drinking but while consumed opened up beautifully. Layered notes of graphite and dark fruit. Long finish. A very solid effort from DuMol. (2035 views)
 Tasted by mactheknife on 9/9/2013 & rated 93 points: Had at dinner in a fish restaurant in Atlanta. Offered to decant but I kept it bottled. It evolved nicely during the meal. Certainly gaining some earthiness, but still has wonderful red berries. Great balance and lots of life left. (2349 views)
 Tasted by Gravity on 8/3/2013 & rated 96 points: Top 10 cali pinot I've ever had. Drinking great. (2378 views)
 Tasted by jshufelt on 6/7/2013 & rated 95 points: Decanted for 30 minutes before service. In the glass, clear, rich, ruby red. On the nose, nutmeg and crushed cherries, and perhaps a hint of flowers. On the palate, a lush, silky texture coupled with dark cherries, pinot spice, minerality, and just enough tannins to give the wine some backbone. I love wines that show off their richness yet keep everything in balance. Just when the fruit is about to hit fruit bomb proportions, there's the spice. Just when the spice is starting to overwhelm, there are the tannins to cut through. Just when the tannins are starting to dominate the palate, there's that silky texture. Beguiling yet always inviting. A beauty of a wine. (2313 views)
 Tasted by lvjohn on 1/2/2013 & rated 94 points: Has the depth of a fine DuMol pinot plus a roundness of mouth feel that brings immense enjoyment. Red fruits and a hint of spice on the palate and in the nose. (2269 views)
 Tasted by DuaneT on 12/25/2012 & rated 92 points: Red and black fruits, with tea, spice and layers of flavor. Without knowing anything about production, I'd guess this is whole cluster fermented. Somewhat powerful but not overwhelming. A good, interesting wine (but until now I forgot how much I paid for this - seems overpriced).

Consumed over three days; it did not evolve much over that time. (1980 views)
 Tasted by LSussman on 10/10/2012 & rated 94 points: wonderful nose of cherry and delicious sip after sip. This is a well balanced elegant cali pinot. (1962 views)
 Tasted by danielbleier on 3/2/2012 & rated 94 points: Nose of baked dark cherry, tea, and sweet spice. Green tea dominates the palate, with cherry, raspberry, white pepper , tobacco and clove as secondary flavors. Worth sipping slowly to get every nuance. This feels mature, no need to wait. (2125 views)
 Tasted by Ejatn on 12/5/2011: Decanted one hour. Very good with meal. Followed with Finn which we preferred a bit more. Slightly better finish (2836 views)
 Tasted by sethmorgenlong on 11/19/2011: Tasted blind. Rich red. Fairly earthen, subdued raspberry and cherry pit with rich spice and big oak impact. Cola and creamy. Nice acidity, balance and persistence. Quite forward and soft, not super compelling because of the tariff, but not without pedigree or merit. (3405 views)
 Tasted by norsktorsk on 11/2/2011 & rated 93 points: Killer. (2636 views)
 Tasted by norsktorsk on 10/29/2011 & rated 94 points: Beautiful all around. (2487 views)
 Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine...

Professional 'Channels'
By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, May/June 2011, IWC Issue #156
(DuMol Pinot Noir Ryan Russian River Valley) Subscribe to see review text.
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

DuMOL

Producer Website; Founded in 1996, DuMOL is dedicated to crafting highly nuanced, vineyard-focused Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from distinctive sites in the cool-climate Russian River Valley. Winemaker, Viticulturist and Partner Andy Smith leads a small and experienced team at DuMOL, to craft wines of depth, clarity and elegance through attention to detail in the vineyards and vintage-specific winegrowing. DuMOL believes the best fertilizer is the footsteps of the farmer and is dedicated to a portfolio of estate and grower-partner vineyards primarily within a 10 mile radius. Expanding upon twenty-five years of experience, DuMOL also grows and produces small-lot Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Mencía from some of the finest vineyards in Sonoma and Napa. The full DuMOL portfolio is released through allocations to the mailing list, with select wines distributed to top restaurants worldwide.

Pinot Noir

Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.


Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.

Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.

The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.

Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.

In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.

With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.

Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.

USA

American wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.

California

2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson

Sonoma County

Mendocino County

Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley Winegrowers Association | Wikipedia

 
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