DuMOL Clare Chardonnay, Carneros, USA

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The 2016 Chardonnay Clare comes from the Hyde vineyard in Carneros, planted to Old Wente clone vines that are now over 20 years old. Ripe grapefruit, white peaches and lemon curd scents leap flamboyantly from the glass with wafts of orange blossoms, struck match, fresh ginger and coriander seed plus a touch of chalk dust. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with citrus and stone fruit layers with loads of spicy sparks and a beautiful satiny texture, finishing very long and mineral laced.

The Clare Chardonnay is sourced from the Hyde Vineyard on the Napa Valley side of Carneros, planted to Old Wente clone vines that are now 22 years old. The 2015 Chardonnay Clare is a doppelganger for a great Meursault, featuring gloriously seductive pink grapefruit, lemon meringue pie and mandarin peel scents with hints of lime blossoms, fresh ginger, struck match and toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is super intense, with layer upon layer of electrically charged citrus and floral notes, framed by lively acid and a silken texture, finishing very long and very minerally. Wow!!

The 2014 Chardonnay Clare has a white peach, preserved lemons and yuzu-scented nose with underlying touches of cedar, buttered toast and shaved almonds. The palate is bold and intensely fruited with a pleasant oiliness, yet it is medium-bodied, finishing long with lovely purity.

The 2013 Chardonnay Clare comes 100% from the Hyde Vineyard and represents a 22-year-old Wente clone of Chardonnay. This wine displays more buttery brioche notes, hints of tangerine oil and lemon blossom, a subtle, discreet use of oak, loamy soil undertones, and a full-bodied, almost premier cru Meursault-like white Burgundy personality. Complex, rich and multi-layered, this is a beauty to drink over the next decade.

From the Hyde Vineyard and made from an Old Wente clone that is now 19 years of age, the 2011 Chardonnay Clare reveals notes of honeyed citrus, mango and pineapple along with subtle notes of creme caramel, a greenish hue to its light straw color, and a rich, full-bodied, up-lifted mouthfeel that is never heavy or cloying. Drink this beauty over the next 4-5 years. Since its founding in 1996, DuMol has been one of the superstar wineries of the entire California North Coast. They primarily focus on gorgeous Burgundian-styled Chardonnays from cool micro-climates as well as Pinot Noirs, with the added attraction of one Viognier and one or two Syrahs. They have been consistent from the beginning with winemaker Andy Smith, who has a brilliant record not only at DuMol, but at several other estates where he is the full-time winemaker, particularly the Napa Valley estate of Larkmead, just north of St. Helena. All five 2011 Chardonnays I tasted merit serious attention from consumers. Forget the difficulties of this vintage as DuMol came through with flying colors. All of the 2011 Pinot Noirs were harvested before the heavy rains fell in October, except for the Cuvee Ian, which was completely declassified. The three vintages of Syrah Eddie’s Patch I tasted come from a vineyard called Hoppe-Kelly, which is planted in red soils southeast of Healdsburg, near Chalk Hill. Tel. (925) 254-8922