98pts Wine Enthusiast
Rounded with a rich mouthfeel of oak and tropical fruit, this wine offers layers and layers of complexity, structure and nuanced acidity. The classic elements of apple, pear and hint of pineapple are topped in nutmeg, ginger and tangerine. Editors’ Choice.
94pts Wine Spectator
Powerfully fresh and minerally, this complex white features concentrated pear tart and apple pastry flavors that are filled with crunchy acidity, showing hints of custard. Ends with buttery accents and tropical fruit notes on the richly spiced finish. Best from 2022 through 2027.
Winemaker’s Notes
Our 2019 vintage of “Wester Reach” Chardonnay is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm. It includes some of the greatest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed and harvested for close to twenty years. Comprising three of the region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley itself with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor richness, ridgeline density or coastal vibrancy.
From the Middle Reach in the north, the broad orchard fruit generosity of our Flax Estate centers the wine. On the Laguna Ridge, we layer-in the old vines at the iconic Ritchie Vineyard with their trademark orange/tangerine intensity. As we leave the valley itself and inch towards the coast, our own DuMOL Estate is the foundation of the wine, contributing powerful citrus fruit and savory/mineral drive. At higher elevation on a ridgetop overlooking the Green Valley, Morelli bring lemon and honey softness and texture. The final element is the majestic Heintz Ranch in all its sweet botanical and truffle-infused complexity.
The aromas are rich with oily intensity: white peach, tangerine, crystallized ginger and hazelnut underpinned by an edge of steely mineral freshness. Stone fruits and deep citrus oil dominate the palate which is broad, layered and full of intricate nuances. Tangy lemon curd and grapefruit notes combine with fresh acidity to bring energy and focus to the long vibrant finish. Drink between Summer 2021 and 2025.
History
Respect for the land
DuMOL is a “vineyard up” winery with a fully integrated approach to winegrowing and winemaking. DuMOL planted its high-density estate vineyards and has farmed many of California’s most renowned vineyards for more than two decades.
Commitment to craft
DuMOL sticks to what works and is focused on the fundamentals, finding inspiration in master, visionary producers around the world as DuMOL continually hones its craft—never imitating, ever refining.
Connected on a personal level
This is a project that comes from who the DuMOL team is and what they love. A deep connection is paramount: to the land, the wines, and the customers.
Heritage and experience
Founded in 1996, DuMOL is a latter-day pioneer in the Russian River Valley. Winemaker, Viticulturist and Partner, Andy Smith, farmed the region for nearly a decade before joining in 1999, and Associate Winemakers Julie Cooper and Jenna Davis, and Cellar Master Jaime Eufracio, have over 40 years combined experience at DuMOL.
