A very Happy Monday to you all. Today we bring you a feature on one of the storied wineries of the Russian River Valley. A winery that has gained international acclaim for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, DuMOL has been making making Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa since 2014. Consumers near and far will be glad they did, as their new Cabernet seriously good. DuMOL was born in 1996 initially as a hobby for three friends and since 1999 Andy Smith has served as winemaker. Originally from Scotland, Andy has previously worked at Dry River, Littorai, Havens, Franus, to Matua and Mt Pleasant wineries. Andy went on to graduate in viticulture and enology from Lincoln University in Christchurch, NZ and later became assistant winemaker for Paul Hobbs.
In his first year at DuMOL he made a combined 1,500 cases of Dutton Ranch Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The current releases by DuMOL were outstanding across the board. One of the great California Chardonnays that I have tried in the past year, the 2015 DuMOL ‘Clare Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) shows outstanding range, tension and length. This is one for the cellar. Andy Smith clearly has a massive handle on Cabernet as his 2015 DuMOL ‘Meteor Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) is a dense and massive treat that will cellar marvelously but is nearly impossible to put down right now. Learn more about this great winery at https://www.dumol.com Here are the great new releases by DuMOL.
2015 DuMOL Viognier- Sourced from the Timbervine, Hope-Kely and Gregori Vineyards, this wine begins with aromatics of honeysuckle, ripe nectarine and poached pear. Bright acidity marks the mid-palate as the wine yields some beautiful tree and tropical fruit flavors that connect to a long, vanilla cream finish. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2015 DuMOL 'Russian River Valley' Chardonnay- This outstanding Chardonnay was sourced from 77% Dutton Ranch, 9% Lorenzo, 8% Charles Heintz and 6% Greywacke Vineyards. Lemon blossom, vanilla cream, and orange zest. The palate is lush and yields exceedingly delicious flavors of lemon oil and tropical fruits with vanilla cream. This Chardonnay is best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2018-2027- 93
2015 DuMOL 'Clare Hyde Vineyard' Chardonnay- The 'Clare Hyde Vineyard' Chardonnay was picked in mid-August and was aged for 12 months in 33% new French oak prior to bottling. The bouquet is reminiscent of honeysuckle, poached pear, and butterscotch. The palate has lovely weight and tension. Pazzaz apple, vanilla creme brulee, and nectarine. The exceedingly long, Meyer lemon cream finish lingers on the tongue. This is a complete wine by DuMOL. Drink 2018-2025- 94
2015 DuMOL ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- This outstanding Pinot Noir was sourced from 58% Dutton Ranch, 24% Hanna and 18% DuMOL Estate. This wine opens with a classic Sonoma Pinot Noir nose of cherry cola, baking spices and suggestions of orange rind. The mid-palate has a great combination of lift and astringency. Black and red fruits intermingle with spice notes and blood orange zest. Downright delicious, enjoy this outstanding wine over the next decade. Drink 2018-2027- 93
2015 DuMOL ‘Connor Joy Road Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This great Sonoma Coast wine was aged for 11 months in 43% new French oak prior to bottling. Winemaker Andy Smith has crafted a stunning Pinot Noir here. Beautiful earthy tones combine with cran-pomegranate and black cherry syrup on the nose. The palate is lithe and expressive, as the wine delivers a wonderful salinity and tension. Black cherry, black raspberry cordial, cigar ash and wild mushroom combine brilliantly with a touch of citrus blossom. This gorgeous wine is best enjoyed over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2018-2030- 94
2015 DuMOL ‘Russian River Valley’ Syrah- Showing off its inky color, this outstanding Syrah is sourced 40% from the Gregori Vineyard, 32% from the Greywacke Vineyard and 23% from the Timbervine Vineyard. This opens with a bouquet of smoked brisket, black forest cake and a touch of peat moss. Beautifully balanced and showing nice elegance, this delivers black cherry, black olive, smoked pork shoulder and green peppercorn flavors that sit alongside some lively minerality. The combination of dark fruits and tension is outstanding. Drink 2018-2027- 92
2015 DuMOL ‘Meteor Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Located in Coombsville, the Meteor Vineyard has relatively new Cabernet vines planted (16 years old). The wine was aged for 20 months in 67% new French oak prior to bottling. A lovely herbaceousness dominates the nose alongside some beautiful black fruits and pencil shavings. Silky tannins line sexy black fruits and milk chocolate flavors. This is a stunning wine by DuMOL that can be enjoyed over the next two decades. Drink 2018-2035- 94