Why it matters
The producer
DuMOL farms small parcels across more than two dozen vineyard sites and commits to sustainable Sonoma County farming for the long term. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay remain the two central grapes, with the wines built around individual vineyard sources.
The estate began with a small first vintage and has since developed a broader vineyard program. Its work now includes regional blends and single vineyard wines, with separate bottles for Wester Reach, DuMOL Estate Vineyard and Hyde Vineyard.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The cool climate Russian River Valley appellation gives Pinot Noir and Chardonnay a long ripening season and helps preserve acidity. DuMOL works within Sonoma County, where the vineyard program connects several named parcels to wines made from one site or several.
The place changes the shape of the range. Wester Reach gathers fruit from several vineyards, while Estate Vineyard and Hyde Vineyard keep one named holding at the center of the bottle.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
DuMOL harvests grapes at night so the cool, firm fruit remains intact during its short journey to the winery. Lower fruit temperature and careful handling help preserve the condition of the grapes before processing.
The barrel program focuses on a small group of artisan coopers. Barrel ageing exposes wine gradually to oxygen and can add spice and texture as the wine develops.
Wines to know
The range in view
DuMOL's red and white range is built around Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wester Reach Pinot Noir combines five named vineyards, led by Occidental Road Vineyard and the next largest source. Wester Reach Chardonnay also combines five vineyards, with Flax Estate Vineyard contributing the largest share.
Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir is a single vineyard wine made from 100% DuMOL Estate Vineyard fruit. Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay is a single vineyard wine that is unblended and the product of a single fermentation. One fermentation means the wine is not assembled from separate fermentation lots.