DuMol 2020 Chardonnay Chloe Russian River Valley

Vineyard: 40% LORENZO VINEYARD, 60% EL DIABLO

"The 2020 Chardonnay Chloe is rich with aromas of mineral-rich earth, pine resin, Meyer lemon. and yellow apple. The palate is fleshy, with orange oil, a touch of savory richness, and stony mouthfeel. It is appealing and open now, but it will certainly hold on for 10 or more years." Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points

"The 2020 Chardonnay Chloe, from the El Diablo Vineyard and Lorenzo Vineyard, offers an incredible combination of concentrated flavors and energetic acidity. It has intense aromas of apricot and quince with nuances of elderflower, brioche, cashews and honey, pleasing, flinty reduction and classy new oak spices. The full-bodied palate explodes with layers of ripe fruits supported by a satiny texture and focused acidity, and it has a dynamic finish that segues from stone fruits to flowers and spicy accents. Wow! About 1,000 cases were made." Robert Parker 96 Points

"Traditionally the richest Chardonnay each vintage, our Chloe bottling is grown on clay soils in the warmer central district of the Russian River Valley, inland from the coastal vineyards. Distinct from our other Sonoma Chardonnays, there’s no sand to be found in these soils, so this wine is layered, textural, and deeply flavored and leads with volume and generosity out front. Which is not to downplay its vibrancy or freshness, as it balances all this vineyard-derived richness with prominent poised acidity. For lovers of Californian fruit and layered opulence, this is the wine for you. The wine can be enjoyed on release and aged for up to eight years. Serve at 55°F and decant for an hour ahead of time if possible.

Complex aromatics combine Asian pear, chamomile, and clove with peach skin and floral notes. There’s an edge of spicy pepper and flint. The wine’s deep core is driven by white peach and nectarine flavors—ebullient, ripe, and concentrated. As the wine grows in the glass honeyed citrus flavors come forth. The texture is oily, deep, and broad, then cut with vibrant lilting acidity. A wine of balance and harmony despite its considerable richness."