DuMOL: “One of the best-priced producers in the world”

DuMOL is a must-buy for anyone who likes fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The wines combine pure, vibrant fruit with elegant structure – and they offer fantastic value for money. Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW is spot on in our view when she calls DuMOL “one of the best-priced producers in the world right now for spectacular Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays”. 

DuMOL is based in Russian River Valley, Sonoma and is run by winemaker and co-owner Andy Smith. A Scotsman who has worked in California since the 1990s, Smith has extensive experience having worked with Ted Lemon at Littorai and also with Paul Hobbs.

Today, DuMOL has 26 hectares under vine and the majority of the grapes come from estate-owned vineyards. A range of single vineyard wines is made. Viticulture at DuMOL is distinctive. The vines are planted close together, which is unusual in California, though not in Burgundy. For Smith, this puts less stress on the vines and helps moderate temperatures by providing shade.

In the winery, the team fully de-stem the Pinots and ferment them with gentle pump-overs before ageing for 17 months in wood. The Chardonnays are barrel-fermented with 25% new oak. They mature for 11 months in barrel then 6 months in tank. Lees stirring is avoided to give a precise, ageworthy style.

The latest releases from DuMOL are the 2022s and they are excellent. Although it was a challenging year in Sonoma, DuMOL harvested early before the late August heatwave. “A gorgeous set of wines from DuMOL“ says Antoni Galloni on Vinous. 

If you are new to DuMOL, try these wines. Fans of the Burgundian varieties should not miss them.

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