2016 DuMOL Wester Reach Chardonnay

Founded in 1996, DuMOL is a vineyard focused producer of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from distinctive vineyards in the extreme southwestern part of the Russian River Valley, focusing on the Green Valley AVA. They also grow and craft small-lot Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier from other exceptional vineyard sites in Sonoma and Napa, expanding upon twenty-five years of winegrowing experience. Winemaker, Viticulturist, and Partner Andy Smith has been with the winery since the beginning and continues to produce highly regarded cult wines. Robert M. Parker Jr. has called DuMOL "a fabulous producer of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and more recently, Viognier and Syrah....Everything produced at this winery is world-class, strikingly intense, complex and elegant."

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.