DuMOL "Wester Reach" Chardonnay 2021
(Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California) - [OB 96] [WE 95] [JS 94] [WS 92]

Our 2021 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, #4 & Robert Young 

Age of Vines at Harvest

28 Years

Barrel Aging

Aged 11 Months in 30% new French oak barrels from tonnelleries remond, chassin & acf followed by 4 months in tank. 

Production

3500 Cases of 750mL

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Owen Bargreen:
"The 2021 ‘Wester Reach’ Chardonnay is mainly sourced from the Flax and Charles Heintz Vineyards, as this was stored in 30% new French oak for 11 months before bottling. Right away you are allured by toasted pineapple and mango notes on the nose alongside shades of shortbread, flint and hazelnuts. The palate is soft and refined with a soft mouthfeel and beautiful sense of verve. Concentrated and showing incredible flavor range, the 2021 ‘Wester Ranch’ will live on for at least another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035."

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
Elegant, silky and well-balanced, this medium-bodied wine backs bright citrus and baked apple flavors with good acidity for a tangy touch that counters the generous fruit components.

94 Points - James Suckling:
"A structured and layered white with apple, light honey and acacia aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Creamy mouthfeel. Phenolic texture that runs through the wine. Flavorful yet subtle finish. Touch of flint and cedar. Drink or hold." (4/4/23)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
Delivers lip-smackingly juicy mango, yuzu and melon flavors, with accents of orange blossoms, lime zest, beeswax and a savory dash of sea salt. Shows restraint, but has a wave of generosity as well. Drink now. 3,600 cases made.