For us, DuMol sets the benchmark for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Year after year, winemaker Andy Smith makes seamless, wonderfully textured, and downright delicious Pinot Noirs from this iconic region, and they always seem to be one of the best Pinots we taste all year! Yields are small, which means production is small, but that also means better wine. This year's bottling is comprised of fruit from DuMol Estate, Occidental, Dutton, and Flax vineyards.
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir Wester Reach boasts a bright red hue and opens with a spicy, fresh nose that carries a cool-climate edge. Ripe cranberries, lifted spices, fresh roses, and piney herbs lead the aromatics, and it’s medium-bodied and compact on the palate, with a refreshing line of acidity, fine tannins, and a weightless texture. The finish is long and laced with elegant spice. Drink 2025-2037."
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Bursts with juicy raspberry, mulberry and bitter cherry coulis flavors that stretch out lengthily, plus savory, red tea and rose petal notes that add energy and range. Shows a snap of red licorice and a singed apple wood frame on the finish while keeping its energy up. Best from 2026 through 2036. 4,900 cases made."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is soft, fruity and easygoing, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years or more. Soft contours wrap around a core of red/purplish fruit, sweet spice and flowers. There's lovely immediacy and succulence here. Bright acids pull it all together. Delicious."
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir Wester Reach boasts a bright red hue and opens with a spicy, fresh nose that carries a cool-climate edge. Ripe cranberries, lifted spices, fresh roses, and piney herbs lead the aromatics, and it’s medium-bodied and compact on the palate, with a refreshing line of acidity, fine tannins, and a weightless texture. The finish is long and laced with elegant spice. Drink 2025-2037."
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Bursts with juicy raspberry, mulberry and bitter cherry coulis flavors that stretch out lengthily, plus savory, red tea and rose petal notes that add energy and range. Shows a snap of red licorice and a singed apple wood frame on the finish while keeping its energy up. Best from 2026 through 2036. 4,900 cases made."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is soft, fruity and easygoing, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years or more. Soft contours wrap around a core of red/purplish fruit, sweet spice and flowers. There's lovely immediacy and succulence here. Bright acids pull it all together. Delicious."
