The 2008 Chardonnay Isobel (all from the Charles Heintz Vineyard’s 27-year old vines) exhibits a light straw/green hue as well as a stunning nose of caramelized lemons, orange blossoms, nectarines and hints of tropical fruits and honeysuckle. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and powerful, it should drink well for 7-8 years. I would have to rank DuMol as one of my favorite half dozen producers of California Chardonnay as well as one of the top twenty in terms of Pinot Noir. Moreover, their Syrah program is also impressive. For unknown reasons, I did not get to taste any Viognier, which I have also loved. The 2008 Chardonnays are all performing as well if not better than they did from barrel last year. Winemaker Andy Smith told me that both he and proprietor Kerry Murphy believe 2009 is their best vintage yet for Pinot Noir, which is certainly saying something. The 2009s do look impressive, but at this early stage, I would not rate them higher than several other recent vintages. That, of course, is debatable given the fact that just about everything at this winery has been stellar since I first started tasting them.Tel. (925) 254-8922; Fax (925) 254-8942
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