The 2018 DuMOL Estate Pinot Noir is a benchmark Russian River Valley Pinot sourced entirely from the winery's high-density Coffee Lane Estate Vineyard. Aged 15 months in 45% new French oak and bottled unfiltered, it captures the exceptional 2018 vintage with remarkable purity, concentration, and finesse.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby with garnet highlights.
Aromas: Intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, violet, anise, sweet baking spices, and crushed stone with subtle floral and earthy nuances.
Palate: Rich and velvety, offering concentrated flavors of black raspberry, blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, and plum layered with forest floor, spice, and mineral notes. Bright acidity and finely textured tannins provide precision and exceptional balance.
Finish: Exceptionally long and seamless, with lingering dark fruit, spice, mineral, and silky tannins that promise outstanding longevity.
Food Pairings
- Roast duck breast
- Herb-crusted lamb
- Beef Wellington
- Wild mushroom risotto
- Cedar-plank salmon
- Aged Gruyère or Comté
Professional Ratings
- 98 Points – James Suckling
- 98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
- 96 Points – Wine Advocate
- 95 Points – Vinous
Overall Review
The 2018 DuMOL Estate Pinot Noir is one of the winery's finest releases, combining extraordinary concentration with elegance and precision. Layers of dark fruit, floral complexity, mineral tension, and impeccable balance make this a world-class Pinot Noir capable of evolving beautifully for 10–15+ years.
James Suckling
Lovely aromas of red cherry, thyme and white chocolate. Medium-bodied with dusty, slightly tight tannins. Crystal-clear red fruit and berries with sweet herbs. Harmonious, bright and driving. Pleasantly plummier at the finish. Fantastic length and fine, powdery tannins at the finish. Deep, dark earth too. Coiled and agile. Delicious now, but this is a wine for long-term aging. Best after 2026.
