DuMOL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Why Buy: DuMOL stands among America's Chardonnay and Pinot Noir elite, and this exceptional trio (including two 95-pointers for their latest Wester Reach releases) is soul-affirming proof. This is a label that commands almost fanatical devotion, yet somehow (and our continual amazement) manages to deliver remarkable value compared to some of its triple-digit peers. But here's the thing: you rarely see them on wine shop shelves, and allocations tend to vanish LIKE THAT. So don't hesitate on these three. We're absolutely thrilled to be able to bring you these wines from the masters of Russian River Valley terroir.
What They're Saying: Jeb Dunnuck awarded 95 points to both the Wester Reach offerings, declaring the Chardonnay "the platonic ideal of Russian River Chardonnay" and praising the Pinot Noir's "supple texture" and "nice lift of freshness." The Wine Advocate was equally impressed with the Wild Mountainside Syrah (94 points), lauding its "detailed, expressive aromas" and "expertly restrained" palate.
Our Tasting Notes: These wines embody everything that's made Russian River Valley legendary, but with DuMOL's distinctive signature. The Wester Reach Chardonnay unfolds like a journey through the region itself – from the broad orchard fruit of Flax Estate to El Diablo's volcanic intensity, from Cornerstone's piercing acidity to Winners Circle's elegant stone fruits. The Pinot Noir shows similar range and depth, building from the dark fruit intensity of their coastal Estate to the soaring purity of Dutton Ranch's ridgetop fruit. The Wild Mountainside Syrah, benefiting from its split-harvest approach, achieves a remarkable balance of richness and freshness – violet and black pepper stage a nifty pas de deux above snappy dark fruits, while powdery tannins frame rather than overwhelm the wine's silky core.
The Story: When Michael Verlander and Kerry Murphy started DuMOL in 1996, they had little more than an old press, a few barrels, and the kind of outsized ambition that makes great things possible. Their stroke of genius came in 1999 when they brought on winemaker Andy Smith, whose apprenticeships under Paul Hobbs and Chardonnay virtuoso Ted Lemon of Littorai would prove transformative. Smith's approach to Russian River Valley terroir is almost architectural in its precision – he draws from an array of distinctive sites (Flax Estate, Winners Circle, Cornerstone, Bressay Estate, and El Diablo) to create wines of remarkable complexity. Take the Wester Reach Chardonnay alone: it's a masterful blend of Old Wente, Mt. Eden, and Robert Young clones, with 40% coming from DuMOL's own Flax Estate Vineyard. Each site brings its own character to the blend – a testament to Smith's deep understanding of how soil, density, and elevation shape a wine's personality. That this level of detail and care comes from a winery that started in a garage makes the story even more compelling. DuMOL may have joined the elite, but they've never lost that original spirit of discovery … or that passionate drive.
Fun Fact: If you’re wondering about the name — a cheeky nod to Baudelaire, perhaps? — it’s actually a mash-up of the names of first winemaker Max Gasewicz’s children: Duncan and Molly.
Our Guarantee: As always, we source directly from the winery to ensure perfect provenance. Secure yours today!