The 2000 Pinot Noir offers up notes of cloves, raspberries, cinnamon, and beet roots followed by medium to full body, excellent fruit purity, and a luscious texture. Although some tannin needs to be resolved, this is a serious Cotes de Nuits look-alike meant for aging. This is a strong effort, but like all of DuMol's offerings it is restrained and builds incrementally, as opposed to being a showy, flamboyant, sexy fruit bomb. Don't misunderstand me. It is loaded with fruit, but it is held in check by vibrant acid levels and a subtle, but pure winemaking style. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2012. Tel. (925) 254-8922

Delicious, with ripe, rich, juicy plum, black cherry and wild berry fruit, touches of spice and cedar, turning plush, with a long, complex aftertaste. Drink now through 2006. 1,281 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Sonoma / Russian River Valley Select to Add