DuMOL

Owner(s) Tom Pillsbury, Reed Renaudin, Andy Smith
Web site www.dumol.com
 
Link to this site
DuMOL

Since its beginning in 1996, DuMOL has had a stellar lineup of wines which today includes Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier. Partners Michael Verlander, Kerry Murphy and winemaker/partner Andy Smith tend to lead a low profile with very minimal public exposure and let their wines speak for themselves. They believe in blending but produce single-vineyard wines when the vineyard warrants. The wines are not named for the principal or only vineyard in a particular wine, using instead the names of family members of the principals. Most of the grapes are sourced from the Green Valley appellation where DuMOL also has an estate vineyard, with other grape sources in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros. Contracts are long-term and grapes are paid for by the acre, insuring that yields are limited.

Verlander and Murphy met in 1990 when Murphy was dining in Verlander's Walnut Creek restaurant. Murphy had been collecting wines from Burgundy since he sold his family tire business, Murphy's Inc., to Goodyear in 1987. The two men decided to start DuMOL in 1996. In the first year, they produced 300 cases split evenly between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Dutton Ranch.

The winemaker and viticulturist since 2000 are talented Andy Smith who became a partner in the winery in 2005. Prior to coming to DuMOL, he studied under Neil McCallum (Dry River, Martinborough), Ted Lemon (Littorai) and Paul Hobbs.

A new spacious 19,600-square-foot winery was constructed in 2008 in Conde Business Park in Windsor. The winery has a capacity of 20,000 cases, but only about 15,000 cases are produced annually. The winery is not open to the public.

In addition to the Russian River Valley and Estate Vineyard bottling, there are Pinot Noirs called "eoin," “aiden,” “ryan,” and “finn” each of which contains fruit from a single vineyard or combination of two or three vineyards. There is some retail and restaurant distribution, but most of the production is sold through an allocated mailing list to a dedicated cadre of Pre-Release Members. Join the mailing list through the website. 925-254-8922.

2022 Update: Winemaker, viticulturist and partner Andy Smith leads an experienced team that is dedicated to a portfolio of estate and grower-partner vineyards (approximately 25 distinct vineyards in Napa and Sonoma including 7 estate parcels) primarily within a 10-mile radius of the winery. Besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, DuMOL grows and produces small-lot Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc and Mencia from vineyards in Sonoma and Napa counties. The full DuMOL portfolio is released through allocations to the mailing list, with select wines distributed to top restaurants and retail sellers. The winery hosts an intimate tasting experience available by appointment. DuMOL Members may schedule tours and private tastings.

Reviewed Wines

2018 DuMOL Jentoft Vineyard “Ryan” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherry, cardamom spice, dark rose petal and Bailey’s Irish Cream. I could not get enough of this nose and I would have been perfectly happy to just inhale the aromas without drinking the wine. Flat-out delicious mid-weight plus, sumptuous flavors of black cherry and black raspberry, with a compliment of engaging spice. A full gulp of fruit yet the wine has polish and agreeability, and flows like silk across the palate. There are absolutely no hard edges in this ephemeral wine that grabs on like tentacles and refuses to give up its hold on the finish. Score: 97. Reviewed August 22, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 DuMOL Jentoft Vineyard “Ryan” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of dark cherry, blackberry jam, underbrush, spice and malt. Strikingly luscious black currant and blackberry fruits composed in a mid-weight plus style. Undertones of spice and anise. Very full on the palate with felty tannins and an intensely fruity and lengthy finish. The fruit is ultra-ripe and approaches prune in tone, my only nit. This wine displays very enthusiastic fruit from a relatively young vineyard. More appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle with more harmony, more gentle power and a huge, I mean huge, long finish. Score: 94. Reviewed August 22, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 DuMOL Chloe Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 724 cases, $65. As regular readers know, I consider Ritchie Vineyard California’s top Chardonnay source. Long-time DuMOL winemaker, Andy Smith, has been crafting Old Wente Chardonnay from this vineyard for seventeen years. Vines were 45 years of age in this vintage. Barrel aged 12 months in 33% new French oak followed by 6 months of settling in tank. This is typically a lower-acid Chardonnay with rich, California sun-blessed fruit. · An opulent Chardonnay offering waves of succulent stone fruits and citrus offering an unctuous drinking experience. That said, the wine is not overblown and has good focus and finishing citric drive. I happen to relish this style of Chardonnay and have drank many bottles of this wine over the years. 95-96 score range. Note: DuMOL wines are sold primarily through a mailing list but bottles do show up at retailers such as K&L Wine Merchants. Score: 95-96. Reviewed February 17, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 DuMOL Chloe Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 724 cases, $65. Winemaker Andy Smith has been crafting Old Wente Chardonnay from this vineyard for 17 years. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 33% new followed by 6 months of settling in tank. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. An opulent wine offering waves of succulent stone fruits and citrus leading to an unctuous drinking experience. That said, the wine is not overblown and has good focus and finishing citric drive. I have enjoyed many bottles of this wine over the years. Score: 95. Reviewed August 29, 2020 ARTICLE »

2012 DuMOL eoin Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $90. Sourced from Sonoma Stage Vineyard located at the southern edge of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Ripe fruited aromas of black cherry and black raspberry with a hint of oak. Deliciously rich core of black cherry and black raspberry fruits with a touch of spice, cola, anise and earth. Very forward and giving, yet has the balance and the structure to age. The noticeably long finish is appealing. More Carneros in character than Sonoma Coast. Score: 92. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 DuMOL ryan Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $90. Sourced from Dutton-Widdoes Vineyard located in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose that never really comes around in the glass over time. More expressive on the palate and packed with dark red cherry and berry flavors wrapped in significant tannins and oak. Despite its heft, the wine has a gentle demeanor and is quite silky in texture. Rather brooding and in need of more time in bottle. Score: 90-91. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL lia Russian River Valley Viognier

14.7% alc., 375 cases, $50. Released November 2011. A 3-vineyard blend from Dutton-Gregori, Hoppe-Kelly and Trenton Station vineyards. Clone 1. Yield 1.75 tons per acre from vines that are 7, 9 and 12 years old. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented in 20% new and 70% neutral French oak barrels, and 10% stainless steel barrels. Aged on lees for 9 months. · Medium straw color and clear in the glass. Quite aromatic, with scents of tropical fruits including dried mango and guava, lemon curd, ginger and brioche. An Alsatian style wine with a delicious core of tropical fruits including grilled pineapple with an appealing sidecar of toast, honey, nuts and vanilla. Slightly creamy in texture, finishing with aplomb and focus. Terrific! Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL chloe Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., 1.130 cases, $60. Released November 2012. Sourced from Ritchie Vineyard, Wente selection. Yield 3 tons per acre from 38- year-old vines. Complete malolactic fermentation and 15 months aging in 50% new French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very expressive nose, offering aromas of lemon blossom, tangerine, croissant and almonds. Soft in the mouth, with plenty of pear, white peach and lemon flavor augmented by minerality. Faint toasty oak frames the wine which leaves a lingering impression on the finish. Did I mention the marvelous mouth feel? Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL clare Carneros Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 642 cases, $60. Released November 2012. Sourced from Hyde Vineyard, Wente “Hyde” selection. Yield 3 tons per acre from vines that are 16 years old. Partial malolactic fermentation and aging for 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very shy aromatically, offering demure aromas of white peaches, citrus blossom and fresh brioche. A slightly steely style, with a tasty core of peach and citrus zest, framed by beautifully integrated oak. The mineral-driven, citrus-toned finish is lasting. This wine doesn’t make a huge impression on me, due to a personal stylistic preference, but it is very well crafted and satisfying. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 460 cases, $60. Inaugural bottling released November 2012. Sourced from the DuMOL Estate Vineyard, Wente “Hyde” selection and Mt Eden selection. Green Valley district of Russian River Valley. Yield 2.5 tons per acre from 5-year-old vines. Complete malolactic fermentation land aging 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, golden apple, almonds and flint stone. Beautiful marriage of fruit (peach, lemon) and oak (subtle vanilla and nuttiness). Bright, finishing on a refreshing citrus-driven high note that lasts. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL isobel Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., 955 cases, $60. Released November 2012. Sourced from Charles Heintz Vineyard, UCD 108. Yield 3.5 tons per acre from wines that are 29 years old. Complete malolactic fermentation and 15 months aging in 40% new French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very fresh scent of lemon, grilled peach, pear and savory herbs. Remarkable palate presence with impressive energy and a vibrant lift of acidity on the extended finish. The peach, lemon and nutty flavors are complimented by a touch of caramelized oak and really grab your attention. Very flavorful, but has the balance and restraint to pair beautifully with food. Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay is my paramour. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL isobel Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., 955 cases, $60. (Reviewed February 27, 2013). Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very fresh scent of lemon, grilled peach, pear and savory herbs. Remarkable palate presence with impressive energy and a vibrant lift of acidity on the extended finish. The peach, lemon and nutty flavors are complimented by a touch of caramelized oak, and really grab your attention. Very flavorful, but has the balance and restraint to pair beautifully with food. Score: 94. Reviewed December 14, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL aidan Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 455 cases, $78. Released November 2012. Sourced from the 3-acre Wildrose Vineyard, 115 and 777. Yield 2.5 tons per acre from 11-yearold vines. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of darker cherries and berries with complimentary toasted oak and a floral note. On the palate this wine sings with juiciness and vibrancy, offering delicious blackberry, black cherry and spice flavors. A complete wine with balanced, supple tannins, a seductively soft mouth feel, and a lengthy finish that is bursting with fresh, vivid fruit. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL eddie’s patch Russian River Valley Syrah

14.2% alc., 1,050 cases, $78. Released June 2012. A 3-vineyard blend from Hoppe-Kelly, Greywacke and Gregori vineyards. Clone 7, 8776, Estrella and Alban. Yield 2.5 tons per acre from vines that are 5 to 13 years old. Harvest Brix 24.4º. Aged 16 months in 33% new French oak. · Dense purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of blackberries, prune, and forest floor. Full-bodied flavors of spicy plum and dark berries with a base of iron-driven minerality and earth. Balanced dry tannins and some persistence on the finish. As a Pinot Noir lover, it doesn’t match up, but is a nicely crafted wine. Good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL eoin Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 468 cases, $78. Released November 2012. Sourced from Sonoma Stage Vineyard, Calera and Swan selections. Yield 1.95 tons per acre from 10-year-old vines. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of loamy earth, berry pie glaze and dried herbs. A modicum of intensity with flavors of black plum, blackberry, boysenberry and a sidecar of spice. The most savory, earth-bound and tannic Pinot Noir in the lineup, more in the Carneros vein. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL ryan Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 1,184 cases, $78. Released November 2012. Sourced from Widdoes Vineyard, Martini selection. Yield 2.65 tons per acre from 25-year-old vines. Aged 14 months in 45% new French oak barrels. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Slow to open in the glass, but offers considerable appeal over time. Aromas of fresh blackberry tart, forest floor, rose petal, oak and saddle. Discreetly concentrated core of black raspberry and black plum fruit with a hint of spiced chocolate and vanilla wafer. The tannins and acidity are nicely integrated and the mouth feel is very soft, creamy and sexy. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 787 cases, $84. Released November 2012. Sourced from DuMOL Estate Vineyard, Calera, Swan, Pommard, 667 and 777. Yield 2.1 tons per acre from 6- year-old vines. Aged 14 months in 55% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Evocatively nuanced aromatic profile offering an array of scents including black cherry, dark berry, forest floor, baking spice, oak cask and old wallet. Moderately rich and very flavorful with intense flavors of black plum and dark berries with an earthy undertone and a hint of spice and vanilla. The attention-getting mid palate attack is followed by a lengthy fruit-driven finish. Well-structured tannins give the wine substance and balance the powerful fruit. Probably the most intensely fruity wine in the 2010 lineup. A muscular ballet dancer. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 DuMOL finn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 371 cases, $84. Released November 2012. 58% DuMOL Estate and 42% Occidental Road vineyards, multi-clonal field blend. Yield 2.2 tons per acre from vines that are 6 to 16 years old. Aged 14 months in 60% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The wine bursts from the glass with effusive aromas of fresh Bing cherries, Chambord liqueur, dried cranberry, spice and bay leaf. A delicious wine that brings all your senses to attention. Flavors of ripe strawberry, blackberry jam, and anise with an earthy, mineral-bound underbelly. Juicy, with lively acidity, perfectly integrated oak, and noticeable length on the finish. Very easy to cozy up to. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 DuMOL isobel Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc., 1,174 cases, $60. Sourced from old-vine Charles Heintz Vineyard in the Green Valley. Aged 18 months sur lie. · Light golden straw color in the glass. Aromas of quince, lychee, baked apple, flint, and subtle oak-driven scents of buttered popcorn and toffee. Delicious flavors of apple pan dowdy, honey, citrus and toffee with a slight tropical fruit riff offered in a discreet and charming style. Impressive finishing show for a Chardonnay. Still great two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. I had a second bottle at a restaurant a week later with lunch and it was even better accompanied by a persimmon-studied very lightly dressed salad. I have had more great Chardonnay drinking experiences from Charles Heintz Vineyard than any other vineyard in California. Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 DuMOL Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 3,900 cases, $64. Sourced from seven cool vineyards located on the western edge of the Russian River Valley. Clones are Old Beringer, Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777, Calera, Swan and Pommard. Vine age 5 to 24 years. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · This wine was a revelation. Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely, demure aromas of dark red cherries and berries and brioche. Sinfully delicious with intense, sweet flavors of black cherries, spice and Hoison sauce. Polished and classy, seductively silky on the palate, with suede tannins and perfect integration of oak, ending with a juicy finish that lures you back to the glass. Impeccable balance. I gave my wife a taste and she grinned from ear to ear. Everything you could ask for in a Russian River Valley appellation Pinot Noir and worth every penny. Look for this wine on my 2011 All- American list. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 DuMOL aiden Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 448 cases, $76. Sourced from the 3-acre Wildrose Vineyard in Green Valley. Dijon clones 115 and 777. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. A chameleon of a nose offering glimpses of black cherries, biscuit, and savory oak that come and go. Full-flavored and complex offering notes of blackberries, black raspberries, black tea, leaf, and oak vanillin. The tannins are supple and the wine finishes with bright acidity. A solid, even special wine. Very good. Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 DuMOL eoin Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 400 cases, $76. Sourced from the Hyde family’s Sonoma Stage Vineyard located at the southern edge of the Sonoma Coast. · Darkly colored in the glass. Remarkably beguiling nose offering aromas of fresh-picked darker berries with just the right accent of toasty and spicy oak. Full-bodied and bold with an array of perfectly ripened dark berries with a subtle underpinning of earthiness, showing good persistence on the finish. Firm, but well-tamed chalky tannins add texture. The flavors don’t yet match the irresistible nose, but give this wine a little time in the bottle. Very good (+). Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 DuMOL Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 649 cases, $80. The estate vineyard is located in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Close planted Calera and Swan selections. Third vintage from this vineyard. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very aromatic initially, offering scents of ripe cherries, strawberries, rose petals, spice and the slightest oak. Richly flavored but possessing a charming, ephemeral quality. Tasty core of dark red berries, black cherries, baking spice and a hint of white chocolate robed in mild-mannered tannins. Cranberry and pomegranate show up on the finish that offers bright acidity. Still solid the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Will benefit from a few years in the cellar for full expression. Impressive. Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 DuMOL finn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 392 cases, $80. A multi-clonal blend from three vineyards at the western edge of the Russian River Valley. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Patience is required with this wine which slowly evolves in the glass over time, ultimately yielding frambiose aroma and flavor with discreet intensity, wrapped in a complimentary supporting tannic structure. The mouth feel is strikingly smooth and comforting and the overall impression is one of style and finesse. Decant if you pop a cork now. Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 DuMOL ryan Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 776 cases, $80. Sourced from the Dutton-Widdoes and Abbott vineyards located on the western edge of the Russian River Valley. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Very ripe fruit profile emerges over time in the glass featuring dark red berries and cherries along with a forest floor tone. A fat, silken, sweet core of vivid dark red fruit makes an impression on the mid palate and persists on the fresh, crisp finish that displays a cut of citrus. Beautifully balanced with soft, sleek tannins. The wine pushes the ripeness envelope but never crosses over. Fabulous the next day with remarkable intensity of flavor from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 DuMOL aiden Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 377 cases, scheduled release in the fall 2010. 100% Wildrose Vineyard, Dijon clones 115 and 777. Yields of 2 tons per acre. Aged 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Strong argument for “Pinot of the Vintage” says Andy Smith. The 9-year-old vines are entering early maturity and their growth pattern requires little intervention. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A Lolita that is offering plenty of youthful charm. Toasty oak envelopes the cherry and red currant aromas and flavors. The prominent tannins are ripe and a healthy grip of acidity is offered on the refreshing finish. Beautifully crafted to offer a spectacular drinking experience a few years down the road. Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 DuMOL Estate Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 185 cases, $65, released December 2009. The first Estate Pinot Noir bottling. Calera and Swan selections with yields of 2 tons per acre average. Native yeast primary and ML fermentations, aged 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Appealing aromas of cherries, cola and savory herbs. Well-structured and pleasing with flavors of red cherries and berries accented with notes of cola and baking spices. Crisp and smoothly textured with an extended aromatic finish. Very good. Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 DuMOL Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $65. · Slightly muted aromas of cherries, grapes and a hint of smoke. Luscious cherry berry compote displaying an appealing crispness and a flourish of baking spices and cola in the background. Discreetly rich with a smooth texture and a dry finish. An immensely satisfying wine that is tre Russian River. Reviewed July 9, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 DuMol Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $65. · Muted but pleasant aromas of cherries, grapes and a whiff of smoke. Luscious and discreetly rich cherry-berry compote on the palate. The fruit is crisp and juicy and accented with baking space. The wine gets better and better over time in the glass. Beautifully composed and well worth seeking out. DuMol wines are sold through a tightly allocated mailing list at www.dumol.com. Reviewed September 19, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 DuMOL eoin Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 375 cases, $74, released December 2009. The first bottling from Richard Hyde’s Sonoma Stage Vineyard. 50% each Calera and Swan selections cropped at 2.8 tons per acre. 25% whole cluster, native yeast primary and ML fermentations, aged 14 months in 45% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex and nuanced with aromas of purple stone fruits, savory herbs and crushed berries, with flavors replicating the aromas offset by notes of plum and truffle. Still showing youthful tannins and immaturity, and will reward the patient. Very good. Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 DuMOL finn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 363 cases, $80, released December 2009. The eighth finn bottling and according to winemaker Andy Smith, “The finest wine we have ever grown and produced.” Named after Andy’s son. Sourced from Occidental Vineyard (50%), Widdoes Upper Vineyard (35%), and Sonoma Stage Vineyard (15%). 2.25 tons per acre average. Calera, Swan, and Martini selections with Pommard clone. Aged 14 months in 62% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · A stunning wine with complex aromas and flavors of dark fruits, cut flowers, underbrush, earth and spice. Still has tannins to shed but offers a big mouthful of hedonistic flavor that coats every nook and cranny in the mouth. The tremendous fruit concentration is well buffered by the tannins and acidity. A superb wine that will thoroughly please any Pinot Noir lover. Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2006 DuMOL Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 2,700 cases, $60, released June 2008. This appellation wine is released earlier than the namedesignated wines offering earlier accessibility. That said, the appellation wine can often age quite well and Smith finds that over time the appellation wine can turn out to be one of the best wines in the lineup. A 6-vineyard blend from Dutton-Gregori, Dutton-Widdoes, Hanna, Hansel, Sonoma Stage and Sundawg Ridge. Clones are Old Beringer, Pommard, Dijon 114, 115, 777 and Calera and Swan selections. Yields average 3 tons per acre. Aged 11 months in 45% new French oak barrels. · Very drinkable now with an appealing heart of Bing cherries and cola accented by oak and cigar box. Nicely proportioned with soft but firm tannins and a lengthy and fruity finish. Very good. Note: As the Estate Vineyard matures, the Russian River Valley blend will contain 30% Estate fruit. Reviewed May 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2005 DuMOL Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $60. Michael Verlander and Kerry Murphy work with winemaker Andy Smith to produce a line of stellar Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The fruit comes from top-notch vineyards in the Russian River Valley including Widdoes, Dutton, Morrelli, Sundawg Ridge, and Slusser. · An initially floral nose evolves to one of syrupy dark cherries and toast. Very pleasing focused dark cherry and berry flavors with a hint of fennel. Long on the palate, it possesses a full mouth feel and creamy texture. This wine will attract a lot of fans. Reviewed November 12, 2007 ARTICLE »

2005 DuMOL Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. This established producer has a stellar lineup of wines including Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier. Owners Michael Verlander and Kerry Murphy tend to lead a low profile with very minimal public exposure and let their wines speak for themselves. The winemaker and viticulturist is talented Andy Smith. In addition to the Russian River Valley bottling, there are three special Pinot Noirs called “aiden,” “ryan,” and “finn” each of which contain fruit from a different combination of Russian River and Green Valley vineyards. · This is something special from start to finish. A perfume of violets and lavender gives way in the glass to syrupy dark cherry and toast. Nicely focused flavors of rich dark cherries and berries with a deft hint of oak and fennel. Creamy in texture with a full mouth feel, this wine will find many fans. There is some retail (ie Brown Derby in Missouri, www.brownderby.com) and restaurant distribution, but most of the wine is sold through a mailing list to Pre-release Members. 925-254-8922. Reviewed October 20, 2007 ARTICLE »

2002 DuMOL Finn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

326 cases, $75. Occidental Road Vineyard and Widdoes Vineyard. Pommard, Swan, Calera, and old Beringer selections. Aged 16 months in 75% new oak. The winemaker is Andy Smith. Www.dumolwine.com · A terrific wine and my favorite of the trio. Very attractive Bing cherry, spice box, and sandalwood aromas draw you in with similar flavors repeated on the palate. Exquisite balance. This wine will age well for several years. Reviewed October 15, 2006 ARTICLE »

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