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The July 2020 Auction: Part 4
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1 / 2Lot 210
Estimate: $140
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Collection name
Reviews
94RP
"The 2012 Chardonnay Isobel (980 cases) comes from 31-year-old vines planted in the Charles Heintz Vineyard, and spent 13 months in 39% new oak. It offers classic notes of tangerine oil, apple blossoms, caramelized citrus and a wet stone minerality. Full-bodied with terrific fruit purity and a subtle hint of oak, it should drink well for 7-8 years. The clonal material is California clone 4 . . . . As I have written in the past, this is a beautiful partnership between owner Kerry Murphy and the brilliant winemaker Andy Smith. Approaching its 20th anniversary, the breadth of high-quality, complex Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs as well as a Viognier and Syrahs they have consistently produced is stunning. The Pinot Noirs generally spend between 11 and 13 months on their fine lees in various percentages of new oak, ranging from a low of 40% for the Russian River cuvĂ©e to as high as 58% for the Ryan. The fruit is typically destemmed, although in certain vineyards and vintages, partial whole cluster fermentation is employed. These are all brilliant wines with a CĂŽte de Nuits-like earthy/forest floor character dominating plum, sassafras and berry flavors. The alcohol levels tend to be between 14.2% and 14.5%. DuMOL fashions three noteworthy Syrahs which probably receive less attention than they should because of the wineryâs high visibility and credibility for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Prices may appear high, but when you consider that Burgundy wines of a similar quality sell for nearly twice as much, the prices are obviously more attractive. According to Andy Smith, 2012 was one of DuMOLâs greatest vintages, and after tasting the wines, I agree. My instincts continue to suggest that this winery is still under consumerâs radar. I find it difficult to understand why that should be given the spectacular quality that has emerged from DuMOL for over a decade."
Region
White
Country
Score
"The 2012 Chardonnay Isobel (980 cases) comes from 31-year-old vines planted in the Charles Heintz Vineyard, and spent 13 months in 39% new oak. It offers classic notes of tangerine oil, apple blossoms, caramelized citrus and a wet stone minerality. Full-bodied with terrific fruit purity and a subtle hint of oak, it should drink well for 7-8 years. The clonal material is California clone 4 . . . . As I have written in the past, this is a beautiful partnership between owner Kerry Murphy and the brilliant winemaker Andy Smith. Approaching its 20th anniversary, the breadth of high-quality, complex Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs as well as a Viognier and Syrahs they have consistently produced is stunning. The Pinot Noirs generally spend between 11 and 13 months on their fine lees in various percentages of new oak, ranging from a low of 40% for the Russian River cuvĂ©e to as high as 58% for the Ryan. The fruit is typically destemmed, although in certain vineyards and vintages, partial whole cluster fermentation is employed. These are all brilliant wines with a CĂŽte de Nuits-like earthy/forest floor character dominating plum, sassafras and berry flavors. The alcohol levels tend to be between 14.2% and 14.5%. DuMOL fashions three noteworthy Syrahs which probably receive less attention than they should because of the wineryâs high visibility and credibility for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Prices may appear high, but when you consider that Burgundy wines of a similar quality sell for nearly twice as much, the prices are obviously more attractive. According to Andy Smith, 2012 was one of DuMOLâs greatest vintages, and after tasting the wines, I agree. My instincts continue to suggest that this winery is still under consumerâs radar. I find it difficult to understand why that should be given the spectacular quality that has emerged from DuMOL for over a decade."
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The fourth-largest wine producer in the world, led by California. American fine wine is defined by ripe, expressive fruit and a spirit of innovation, with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon among the most sought-after wines globally.
The world's most versatile white grape, producing everything from steely Chablis to rich, oaked whites. Its neutrality makes it a mirror of terroir and winemaking, and the foundation of white Burgundy and Champagne.