DuMOL Wester Reach Chardonnay 2022
(Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California) - [WE 95] [JD 95] [JS 94] [WS 92] [TWI 92] [WA 92]

Winemaker’s Notes
Our 2022 vintage of “Wester Reach” Chardonnay is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm. It includes some of the greatest sites in the appellation—vineyards that we have planted, farmed, and harvested for over twenty years. Comprising three 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 richness, ridgeline density or coastal vibrancy.

From the Middle Reach in the north, the broad orchard fruit generosity of our Flax Estate centers the wine. Directly across the river, El Diablo’s volcanic hillside emphasizes texture and density. On the Santa Rosa plain, we layer in the old vines at the iconic Lorenzo Vineyard with their trademark savory grapefruit intensity, and Cornerstone with its piercing acidity and honeyed richness. As we leave the valley itself and inch towards the coast at higher elevation on a ridgetop overlooking the Green Valley, the majestic Heintz Ranch completes the wine with its sweet botanical and truffle-infused complexity and savory/mineral drive.

Great aromatic intensity—citrus and nectarine fruits, jasmine and orange blossom, briny/flinty sea spray edges. The flavors center upon lemony green apple then deeper stone fruits with honeysuckle and ginger richness. The wine’s texture is deep, oily, and layered. Fresh mineral, grapefruit acidity cuts through the richness giving a pinpoint focus to the wine’s long echoing finish. Drink between 2023 and 2027.

Technical Data

Appellation:

Russian River Valley

Clones

Old Wente, Mt. Eden and Robert Young

Barrel Aging

Aged 11 Months in 27% new French oak barrels from tonnelleries remond, chassin & atelier centre france followed by 4 months in tank. 

Production

3500 Cases of 750mL

Alcohol

14.1% ABV

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Bright and aromatically compelling on the nose, this Chardonnay vibrates with aromas of green apple, lemon balm, orange blossom and river rock. The palate is energetic, giving flavors of apricot and Meyer lemon peel. A massive streak of acidity rips from front to back." - Tom Capo (Oct 2024)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A bright yellow color, the 2022 Chardonnay Wester Reach is a textbook example of this vintage, with a lot of elegance and a wide drinking window. From the Russian River Valley and aged in 25% new oak barrels for 11 months, it takes on more glycerol richness and a rounded profile. A great wine out of the gate, it captures the sunny feel of the region, but it’s light on its feet and closes with a great finish. This is a crowd-pleaser of a wine, and I would be happy to have this on my table at any stage. Drink 2024-2032." (June 2024)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"So much Meyer lemon and apple character with some pears on the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied. It’s like tasting out of a fermenter full of crushed must. Such unadulterated purity. A tight palate with bright acidity and lovely fruit. Drink now." (Jul 2024)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"An expressive version, offering notes of mango, nectarine and dried apricot on a succulent and fleshy frame, with juicy accents of ginger, lemon balm and orange zest lingering on the finish. Drink now. 3,500 cases made." - MaryAnn Worobiec (Jul 2024)

92 Points - The Wine Independent:
"Notes of juicy pears, apple sauce, and fresh nectarines pop from the glass of the 2022 Wester Reach Chardonnay, leading to wafts of honeycomb and cashews. The medium to full-bodied palate is filled with orchard fruit flavors supported by a racy backbone, finishing with a compelling tangy lift." - LPB (Jun 2024)

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2022 Chardonnay Wester Reach is sourced from several vineyards, including Flax (40%) and Dumol Estate (15%), and grapes were harvested from August 18–September 7. It sits low in the glass at this stage, with understated notes of peach, mushroom powder, flint and cheese rind. The light-bodied palate is soft and rounded with saline-tinged fruit and a gently flinty finish. 3,500 cases were made." - Erin Brooks (jul 2024)