2020 DuMol Pinot Noir Finn Russian River Valley

The 2020 DuMOL Pinot Noir ‘Finn’ from the Russian River Valley is one of the estate’s most sought‑after bottlings, showcasing the power and purity that cool‑climate Pinot can achieve in Sonoma. Sourced from DuMOL’s favorite adjacent vineyard parcels on sandy, clay-based soils, it delivers a seamless balance of depth, aromatic lift and site expression. Long a benchmark wine in the DuMOL portfolio, ‘Finn’ reflects over two decades of obsessive focus on terroir-driven Pinot Noir that has earned the estate a place on the tables of the White House and the British Royal Household.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2020 ‘Finn’ shows a vivid, deep ruby hue with a translucent rim, hinting at both concentration and finesse. Swirling releases an expressive, layered bouquet of dark wild berries—black raspberry, boysenberry and mulberry—woven with truffled earth, dried rose petal, black tea, and a subtle blood orange lift. Nuances of sandalwood, clove and cocoa shavings float in the background, a quiet echo of its time in fine French oak. On the palate, this is a finely etched yet generous Pinot Noir: silky and polished in texture, with a vibrant core of dark cherry and wild berry fruit framed by savory spice, forest floor and a hint of graphite minerality. That signature DuMOL ‘Finn’ combination of truffle sweetness and spicy edge comes through clearly, carried by lively acidity and ultra-fine, chalky tannins. It’s both broad and detailed, maintaining clarity and precision despite its density. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of orange zest, dark plum and aromatic spice. While already compelling on release, the structure and balance suggest excellent aging potential of 8–12 years from vintage, gaining further complexity and tertiary nuance with time in bottle.

Production
The ‘Finn’ Pinot Noir is drawn from two adjoining, meticulously farmed vineyards in the Russian River Valley, planted on a mix of sandy and clay-rich soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor. DuMOL’s philosophy is fundamentally ‘vineyard up’: the team, led by winemaker, viticulturist and partner Andy Smith, works closely in the vines with low yields, careful canopy management and extensive handwork to ensure perfect ripeness at modest sugar levels. Grapes are harvested by hand in small picking bins at optimal physiological maturity, then sorted with great precision at the winery. Fermentation is carried out in small, open-top vessels with a judicious use of whole clusters where appropriate, allowing for gentle extraction via hand punch-downs. After pressing, the wine is aged approximately 15 months in French oak barriques, with a substantial portion (around 45%) new, sourced from top Grand Cru–level coopers such as Chassin, Mercurey and Atelier Centre. This elevage polishes the tannins and adds aromatic complexity without masking the purity of site and fruit.

Food & Serving
This refined yet powerful Pinot Noir is a versatile partner at the table, shining alongside dishes that echo its depth and savory complexity. Think roast duck with cherry or orange glaze, herb-crusted lamb, mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or cedar-plank salmon; it also pairs beautifully with game birds, pork loin, and creamy, earthy cheeses such as Époisses, Reblochon or aged goat cheese. Serve slightly cool, around 14–16°C (57–61°F), to emphasize freshness and aromatic detail. Decanting for 45–60 minutes in its youth will help the wine unfold its darker berry, truffle and spice layers; older bottles (5+ years) may need only a gentle splash decant to remove sediment and allow the bouquet to blossom.

Producer
Founded in 1996, DuMOL has rapidly risen from a small, quality-obsessed estate to one of California’s most respected names for vineyard-focused Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with select bottlings served at some of the world’s most prestigious tables. Based in the cool, often fog-laced Russian River Valley of Sonoma, the winery has built its reputation on crafting expressive, small-lot wines that capture the nuance of singular sites. Under the guidance of Andy Smith—winemaker, viticulturist and partner—DuMOL has expanded its repertoire to include limited quantities of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc and Mencía from top Sonoma and Napa vineyards, all farmed and vinified with the same meticulous attention to detail. The ‘Finn’ cuvée, now a multi-decade reference point in the portfolio, stands as one of DuMOL’s most coveted Pinot Noirs and a benchmark for modern, terroir-driven Russian River Valley Pinot on the global stage.

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