2023 Flax Estate Pinot Noir

The 2023 Pinot Noir Flax Estate comes from Pommard vines planted in iron-rich soils in 1996; grapes were harvested on September 29. It bursts from the glass with inviting scents of blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, incense, cedar and iron. The full-bodied palate is powerful with layered, spicy flavors and broody mineral character. It’s framed by velvety tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long, savory finish. It should be long lived in the cellar. 550 cases were made.

A youthful ruby red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Flax Estate Vineyard is a more muscular wine made from the Pommard clone of Pinot Noir. In the glass, it offers notes of gravelly earth, fresh cherries, and tea leaf. It’s firmly structured, with broader shoulders and a more full-bodied frame, and its ripe tannins expand through the finish. A fantastic wine, it has a more contemplative nature and will need more time. Drink 2027-2040. Late last year, Andy Smith handed over the winemaking portion of his title to Jenna Davis. Jenna has been with the winery for over ten years, joining as a harvest intern in 2014 and working up to assistant winemaker. Andy retains his roles as partner and winegrower at DuMOL but was ready to pass the torch to the next generation in the winery’s legacy. The 2023s for this report were tasted in Sonoma with Andy and Jenna, as they have been for all three years of my coverage. Earning top marks for what this vintage has to offer, across the range the wines capture freshness and retain the focused concentration that gives them serious potential for longevity.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Flax Estate Vineyard emerges from a hillside site on Westside Road planted on volcanic soils. Iron, scorched earth, dried herbs, tobacco and intensely flavored red fruit give the Flax its distinctive personality. This is another incredibly distinctive wine in the range. Readers will find a Pinot marked by strong earthy, mineral notes and incisive tannins