WA 95 "From the well-known Ritchie Vineyard, planted with 31-year-old Old Wente clones of Chardonnay, the 2011 Chardonnay Chloe is spectacular. This opulent, flamboyant Chardonnay exhibits lots of white peach, apricot marmalade, honeysuckle and caramelized citrus. Full-bodied with underlying minerality along with terrific purity, texture and sumptuousness, this gorgeous white can be enjoyed 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. (RP)" (12/2013)