Chardonnay "Lorenzo Vineyard", DuMOL, Russian River Valley, CA, 2023

Press

98 James Suckling
97 Vinous & Antonio Galloni
96 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Palate

Winemaker’s Notes

As usual, the old vines at Lorenzo Vineyard produced one of the most dynamic and unique wines of the entire vintage. Whilst quality like this is hard to find, rarer still is this level of singular character and personality. These old vines planted on dense clay soils in a cold location infuse the wine with such detail and complexity that the resulting wine is both intellectually and emotionally thrilling, in addition to being just plain delicious. Luckily the vines produced ten barrels this year, a sizeable crop for their age, so there’s more for us to share. The natural style here is laser focused, leaner than both Chloe and Estate, with nuances of mint and savory botanicals. The wine can show some natural steeliness in its first year but unfurls beautifully with a little age. I always recommend drinking Lorenzo over two evenings if possible. 

Piercingly intense aromas of white flowers, mint tea and lemongrass with an edge of oyster shell and briny green olive. The wine’s flavors are deeply penetrating – lime juice and stone fruits with a hint of honeyed richness to come. There’s a strong sense of hidden inward power before driving mineral acidity lifts and extends the wine’s finish. Drink between late-2025 and 2034. A gentle decant might be beneficial to open up the wine’s full texture. 

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner

Vineyard

Harvest Date

October 5

Appellation

Russian River Valley

Clones

Heritage

Age of Vines at Harvest

49 years

Barrel Aging

Aged 11 months in 30% new French oak barrels from Tonnellerie Mercurey followed by 6 months settling in tank

Production

230 cases of 750mL