Today we present to you one of the shining stars of Sonoma County. A world-class producer of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet in California, DuMol began back in 1996 and strangely initially was a hobby for three friends. Since 1999 Andy Smith been at the helm 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.
Andy has crafted some stunning current releases and I adored the new the 2020 DuMOL ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which has incredible tension, elegance and a lengthy finish. Don’t miss out on the mind-numbing 2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is big, burly and shows incredible tension and salinity. Learn more about these stunning new wines at https://www.dumol.com Here are the great new releases by DuMOL.
2020 DuMol ‘Chloe’ Chardonnay- The 2020 ‘Chloe’ Chardonnay is crafted from the Lorenzo and El Diablo Vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Barrel fermented for 11 months, this utilizes Montrachet and old Wente selections. The nose is utterly fantastic with salted praline, white peach and brioche notes that combine with stony and flinty undertones. The palate is big and downright voluptuous, with a great mineral backbone. This flat out delicious Chardonnay is exceedingly difficult to put down right now — and will provide drinking enjoyment for the next eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2030- 94
2020 DuMol ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2020 DuMol ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a masterclass by Scotsman winemaker Andy Smith. Ripe pineapple and butterscotch notes fill the nose, with shades of salted nectarine skin. The palate is silky smooth, as this glides throughout the drinking experience — like a fine, warm vintage Chassagne-Montrachet. Salted Macadamia nut notes combine with rich orchard and tropical fruits, with stony undercurrents. Not for the weary, serve slightly on the warmer side to take in the marvelous range of flavors. Drink 2022-2034- 95
2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The seriously good 2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from 16 year old vines that utilize Mt. Eden and Hyde Wente clonal selections. Stored for 11 months in 30% new French oak, this shows off saline drenched pear, mango and lime zest notes on the nose. The palate is mineral-driven and quite refined, with a soft texture, with lemon dusted brioche, nectarine and salty undercurrents. Very gratifying with its combination of verve and viscosity, the ‘wow factor’ 2020 ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay will surely live on for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2033- 96
2020 DuMol ‘Finn’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Occidental and the Bressay Estate Vineyard, the 2020 ‘Finn’ Pinot Noir is a spectacular effort from this challenging vintage for Pinot Noir. Aged for fifteen months in only 27% new French oak, this offers boysenberry on the nose alongside cedar and shades of black florals. The palate is soft and very inviting with its smooth mouthfeel. Stony minerals and light tannins frame a beautiful core of black fruit flavors, with orange zest accents. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy this delicious Pinot Noir over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 94
2020 DuMol ‘Flax Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- For years I have admired wines from this site in the Russian River Valley. The 20202 ‘Flax Vineyard’ is pillowy once on the attack, with a seamless texture. You are greeted with tart cranberry notes alongside wild blackberry coulis, cigar box, freshly tilled salty soils and copious minerals on the palate. The layers of brightness and salinity really add to the enjoyment here, as this beauty is already hitting it stride and will continue to drink well for another fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 95
2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Showing serious aging potential, the outstanding 2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes entirely from their Coffee Lane Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Aged for fifteen months in 30% new French oak, this beautiful wine displays pretty red rose petal aromas alongside black raspberry, wild mushroom and peat moss accents. The palate is plush and also very fresh, with serious finesse. Finishing long with black fruits and minerals, this great new 2020 Pinot Noir is best enjoyed over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2022-2034- 94
2019 DuMol ‘Meteor Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Meteor Vineyard is located in Coomsville and is set on gravelly white volcanic tufa soils. This 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in 70% new French oak for 20 months before bottling. The nose is decadent with intense dark fruits and black rose petals that combine with loamy soils, and sweet pipe tobacco leaf. The palate is smooth and viscous, creating a weightless effect throughout the drinking experience. Utterly fabulous to consume in its lively youth, this beauty is already nicely evolved and will continue to cellar well over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2022-2040- 96