Pale ruby color; raspberry, cherry, cranberry, pomegranate on the nose; cherry, blood orange, raspberry, black tea, vanilla, spice on the palate.
Dry; tasty tannin with good acidity. Bright, fresh, complex, savory. Well balanced. Medium weight. Very smooth. Subtle, extended finish. Lighter and more nuanced than many Russian River Valley pinot noirs. Blend of Russian River pinot noir from 26% DuMol O’Connell Estate Vineyard, 22% DuMol Flax Estate, 20% Widdoes Vineyard, 16% Dutton Upp road Vineyard, 16% Hanna Vineyard. All grapes hand-harvested. 13.8% ABV
Wine barrel-aged in light-medium toast, 40% new French oak. Three months later spent three months in tank. Andy Smith was the winemaker. Vineyard notes on fermentation: “Clones: Calera, Swan, 943, Dijon, Pommard, Mt. Eden & Martini. Age of Vines at Harvest: 35 years.”
DuMOL started in 1996. The website notes: “Winemaker, Viticulturist and Partner Andy Smith leads a small and experienced team at DuMOL, to craft wines of depth, clarity and elegance through attention to detail in the vineyards and vintage-specific winegrowing.” You may be able to find this excellent wine, but the most certain way to acquire is to get allocation or order through the website.
DuMOL Wester Reach Pinot Noir 2020 is elegant, supple, generously inviting. Savory tannins and respectful acidity frame the red fruits in this easy-drinking crowd pleasing effort. Pair with lighter beef cuts; veal; turkey, duck, poultry; wild game. Cheese— lighter, washed-rind cheese and nutty, medium-firm cheeses; gruyere and taleggio are classic pairings; manchego; mild cheddar, Dutch edam; blue cheese, gouda, sheep’s milk cheeses. $75-79
