To say we are ecstatic to carry the DuMOL 2023 Estate Pinot Noir would be a profound understatement. For over two decades, this estate has been on a relentless pursuit to define the gold standard of the Russian River Valley, and with the 2023 vintage, they have reached a pinnacle that Andy Smith, Chief Winegrower and Proprietor, himself calls "unquestionably the best" they have ever produced from the Vineyard.
The 2023 vintage represents a milestone: Andy Smith's 30th year of winemaking. Having led DuMOL's evolution since 1999, Andy has spent the last decade mentoring Winemaker Jenna Davis. Jenna, an alumna of legendary estates like Opus One and Spottswoode, has been an integral part of the team since 2016. Together, this powerhouse duo has refined a 'vineyard-first' philosophy that is perfectly captured in this year's release.
The 2023 growing season was a gift-a 'marathon' season that was among the longest and coolest in California history. Without the stress of heat spikes, the high-density Calera and Swan clones at the Estate were able to hang on the vine until late September, building immense nuance and deep phenolic ripeness while retaining a vibrant, crunchy acidity. The result is a wine of grand scale complexity. While it possesses the dark, sumptuous fruit and serious structural punch that DuMOL is famous for, it carries an effortless, cool-climate grace. Under the guidance of Andy and Jenna, DuMOL hasn't just captured a great vintage; they have bottled a time capsule of their 30-year journey toward perfection.
The industry's most respected critics have been quick to validate that this is a benchmark year. Antonio Galloni awarded it a 98+ points, calling it "a real head-turner". Jeb Dunnuck (98+ points) was equally floored by its "spectacular linear drive," while Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (97 points) states "the Estate Pinot Noir is impressively pure and intense" as well as praised its "kaleidoscopic flavors". This is a monumental achievement-a wine that captures the soul of the Russian River Valley with more intensity and verve than ever before. From its crystalline purity to its electric finish, this release stands as a masterclass in precision. It is, quite simply, the Russian River Valley at its most profound-an unforgettable experience for the senses.
ANTONIO GALLONI 98+ POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir DuMOL Estate Vineyard is a real head-turner, just as it was in barrel. Dark, sumptuous fruit, leather, incense, tobacco, dried herbs and graphite open first, buffered by brisk acids and beams of tannin that shape the mid-palate and finish. Deceptively medium in body, the 2023 packs a very serious punch. I would be in no rush to drink this. The Estate consists of Calera and Swan clones from high-density vineyards and was made with fully destemmed fruit."
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "Coming from the vineyards above Bressay, the ruby-hued 2023 Pinot Noir Dumol Estate Vineyard is based on a blend of Calera and Swan clones. It reveals aromas of ripe red cherries, cinnamon, raspberries, orange peel, and wildflowers. The palate has tremendous tension and more wound-up nervous energy, with fantastic linear drive. It’s a spectacular wine that will only improve with another several years in bottle. Drink 2027-2050."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 97 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard comes from Calera and Swan vines planted in 2005. Grapes were harvested on September 14 and 22, and the wine was matured for 15 months in 37% new French oak. "For me, this is the wine of the vintage,” chief winemaker and proprietor Andy Smith says. “I first made this wine in 2007, and for me, this is unquestionably the best wine we’ve ever made from this vineyard.” The estate Pinot Noir is impressively pure and intense, with dramatically unfurling scents of pomegranate, blueberry, iron, juniper, charcuterie and violet. The medium-bodied palate offers expansive, kaleidoscopic flavors. It’s framed by refined, silky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, detailed finish. It should be long lived in the cellar. 1,200 cases were made."
The 2023 vintage represents a milestone: Andy Smith's 30th year of winemaking. Having led DuMOL's evolution since 1999, Andy has spent the last decade mentoring Winemaker Jenna Davis. Jenna, an alumna of legendary estates like Opus One and Spottswoode, has been an integral part of the team since 2016. Together, this powerhouse duo has refined a 'vineyard-first' philosophy that is perfectly captured in this year's release.
The 2023 growing season was a gift-a 'marathon' season that was among the longest and coolest in California history. Without the stress of heat spikes, the high-density Calera and Swan clones at the Estate were able to hang on the vine until late September, building immense nuance and deep phenolic ripeness while retaining a vibrant, crunchy acidity. The result is a wine of grand scale complexity. While it possesses the dark, sumptuous fruit and serious structural punch that DuMOL is famous for, it carries an effortless, cool-climate grace. Under the guidance of Andy and Jenna, DuMOL hasn't just captured a great vintage; they have bottled a time capsule of their 30-year journey toward perfection.
The industry's most respected critics have been quick to validate that this is a benchmark year. Antonio Galloni awarded it a 98+ points, calling it "a real head-turner". Jeb Dunnuck (98+ points) was equally floored by its "spectacular linear drive," while Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (97 points) states "the Estate Pinot Noir is impressively pure and intense" as well as praised its "kaleidoscopic flavors". This is a monumental achievement-a wine that captures the soul of the Russian River Valley with more intensity and verve than ever before. From its crystalline purity to its electric finish, this release stands as a masterclass in precision. It is, quite simply, the Russian River Valley at its most profound-an unforgettable experience for the senses.
ANTONIO GALLONI 98+ POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir DuMOL Estate Vineyard is a real head-turner, just as it was in barrel. Dark, sumptuous fruit, leather, incense, tobacco, dried herbs and graphite open first, buffered by brisk acids and beams of tannin that shape the mid-palate and finish. Deceptively medium in body, the 2023 packs a very serious punch. I would be in no rush to drink this. The Estate consists of Calera and Swan clones from high-density vineyards and was made with fully destemmed fruit."
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS - "Coming from the vineyards above Bressay, the ruby-hued 2023 Pinot Noir Dumol Estate Vineyard is based on a blend of Calera and Swan clones. It reveals aromas of ripe red cherries, cinnamon, raspberries, orange peel, and wildflowers. The palate has tremendous tension and more wound-up nervous energy, with fantastic linear drive. It’s a spectacular wine that will only improve with another several years in bottle. Drink 2027-2050."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 97 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard comes from Calera and Swan vines planted in 2005. Grapes were harvested on September 14 and 22, and the wine was matured for 15 months in 37% new French oak. "For me, this is the wine of the vintage,” chief winemaker and proprietor Andy Smith says. “I first made this wine in 2007, and for me, this is unquestionably the best wine we’ve ever made from this vineyard.” The estate Pinot Noir is impressively pure and intense, with dramatically unfurling scents of pomegranate, blueberry, iron, juniper, charcuterie and violet. The medium-bodied palate offers expansive, kaleidoscopic flavors. It’s framed by refined, silky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, detailed finish. It should be long lived in the cellar. 1,200 cases were made."
