DuMOL 2022 Pinot Noir “Wester Reach” Russian River Valley 95 Points

Winemaker Notes: “of this classic region where we live and farm. It includes some of the finest sites in the appellation – vineyards that we have planted, farmed, and harvested for over twenty years. Comprising four of our region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley itself with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high-elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor texture and volume, ridgeline fruit intensity, or bright coastal acidity. The wine’s broad base is centered upon our coastal DuMOL Estate with dark fruit intensity, savory spice, and bright vibrancy. At higher elevations on a ridgetop overlooking the Green Valley, Dutton Ranch offers soaring red and black fruit characters of beautiful purity. On the deeper silty/clays of the Santa Rosa Plains, Occidental Road provides broad fruit extract and textural richness. Flax Estate overlooking the river in the Middle Reach weaves in volume, structure, and density from hillside volcanic soils. Placida on the Laguna Ridge ripens late with impressive texture and lingering mossy complexity”

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “Taking on a darker ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Wester Reach brings forward woodsy spice aromas, with notes of fresh cherries, pine, and peppery spices. Approachable on the palate, it offers ripe tannins, a supple texture, and a nice lift of freshness on the finish. It is a charmer for sure and is going to offer a wide drinking window over the coming 10-12 years. Bottled unfiltered, ”

James Suckling 95 Points: ““Plenty of spice on the nose with cloves, white pepper, and nutmeg, but then it changes to hibiscus, raspberry, and freshly cut white-topped strawberries. Medium body. Tangy at the end. Energy is there. Mostly Martini clone. Better give this until 2026.”