DuMol Chardonnay Russian River Valley Wester Reach 2018

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "With a crisp, light and floral entry, this wine develops into an impressively structured, complex and graceful beauty, full of underlying power. Green apple, pear and quince flavors ride along a supple texture of cohesive, harmonious balance and length. Alcohol 14.1%. (Mar 2021)"

94+ points Erin Brook (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 Chardonnay Wester Reach comes from the Dumol estate plus fruit from Ritchie, Charles Heintz, Lorenzo and Dutton vineyards. It offers gentle scents of honey, oats, nuts and dried white flowers over a peachy core. The medium-bodied palate has an understated savory character, balancing yeasty and mineral touches and bright acidity, finishing long and mineral-driven. Drink: 2020-2027. (Jul 2020)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A wine that goes out to distribution only (as opposed to the winery mailing list), the 2018 Chardonnay Wester Reach is a blend of the Ritchie, Heintz. Lorenzo, Dutton, and DuMOL Estate vineyards and was brought up in 35% new French oak. It has a classic Russian River Valley vibe in its rich orchard fruits, pear, buttered citrus, and brioche aromas and flavors. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied wine that has the fleshy, supple style of the vintage yet stays firmly in the DuMOL stylistic camp with its vibrant acidity and focused finish. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years or so. Drink: 2020-2028. (5/21/20)"

Producer notes: "Our 2018 Wester Reach Chardonnay comprises three of the most celebrated old-vine Chardonnay vineyards in California with our high-density estate vineyard at its core. A classic DuMOL coastal Russian River wine, it maintains an impeccable balance between fruit-filled Californian style and a vibrant, focused European approach—an interplay of richness and freshness, texture and acidity. The nose brims with expansive aromas of white lily, apricot, stone fruits and lemon zest underscored by elements of flint, oyster shell and spearmint. The palate delivers a long, subtle arc of flavor and great viscosity. It is initially taut and vibrant with lime juice, lemongrass and citrus oil before opening to richer, deeper fruits, fig and peach, and layers of texture. The finish washes long with bright, clean acidity and a linger of ginger, honey and spice. Fermented and aged 12 months in 35% light/medium toast new French oak. Complete malolactic fermentation."