It was back in 1973 when Davis Bynum released a single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Rochioli Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Bynum was a pioneer in bringing attention to Burgundian varietals planted in this region. Since 2007, the winery remains in the hands of proprietor Tom Klein.
Winemaker Greg Morthole has crafted a really nice set of releases. He began working for Rodney Strong Vineyards in 2005, when he accepted a job as lab director. His then was named to associate winemaker in late 2007 and in the spring of 2010, Greg was promoted to Davis Bynum Winemaker. I loved the new 2020 Davis Bynum ‘Virginia’s Block - Jane’s Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 90) which is fresh but also very viscous from the oak treatment, delivering very bright orchard fruit flavors. Even better is the outstanding 2019 Davis Bynum ‘Dutton Ranches’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which deftly reflects the terroir of the Russian River Valley with its saline and tilled soil tones. Learn more about this great winery at https://www.davisbynum.com and here are the excellent new wines by Davis Bynum.
2020 Davis Bynum ‘Virginia’s Block - Jane’s Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- This new release comes from a vineyard set on gravelly clay loam soils, as this saw 9 months in a combination of Acacia wood, stainless steel and used French oak before bottling. The wine is wonderfully fresh and textured with bright gooseberry and green apple flavors. Enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2018 Davis Bynum ‘River West’ Chardonnay- The ‘River West Vineyard’ is set on a low riverside bench in the northern portion of the Russian River Valley. The palate marries nice toasty oak with creme brulee, buttered popcorn and Golden Delicious apple flavors. Straightforward and delicious, enjoy this rich yet well-structured Chardonnay over the next five plus years. Drink 2021-2026- 90
2018 Davis Bynum ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a host of sites in the Russian River Valley, this Pinot Noir was aged for 13 moths in 22% new French and Hungarian oak before bottling. Cran-cola with cigar box, loamy soils, red cherry candy and pretty guava notes all mark the nose. The palate is soft and nicely textured with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of pretty red fruits collide with freshly tilled soils on the palate. Drink 2021-2029- 91
2019 Davis Bynum ‘Dutton Ranches’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Dutton Ranches’ Pinot Noir is an outstanding new bottling by winemaker Greg Morthole. Aged for 14 months in 50% new French oak this reveals ripe Yakima cherry and tobacco leaf flavors that meld with freshly tilled soils on the palate. The combination of weight, salinity and bright acidity is really good, as this fantastic new bottling will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92
