Founded in 1996, DuMOL is dedicated to crafting highly nuanced, vineyard-focused Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from distinctive sites in the cool-climate Russian River Valley. Winemaker, Viticulturist and Partner Andy Smith leads a small and experienced team at DuMOL, to craft wines of depth, clarity and elegance through attention to detail in the vineyards and vintage-specific winegrowing. DuMOL believes the best fertilizer is the footsteps of the farmer and is dedicated to a portfolio of estate and grower-partner vineyards primarily within a 10 mile radius. Expanding upon twenty-five years of experience, DuMOL also grows and produces small-lot Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Mencía from some of the finest vineyards in Sonoma and Napa. The full DuMOL portfolio is released through allocations to the mailing list, with select wines distributed to top restaurants worldwide.
Vintage 2021 is a personal winegrowing highlight for Winemaker and Partner Andy Smith, with several career-defining wines. They have a strong sense of achievement and no small measure of pride with this vintage. Antonio Galloni of Vinous agrees, stating “I was blown away by the wines I tasted from DuMOL this year. Two thousand twenty-one is one of the greatest vintages I have tasted here.”
The vineyard and seasonal conditions that produced this excellence: a dry season where the vines had to work hard but never quite reached peak stress; small, loose bunches with tiny, thick-skinned berries; a mild July and August, when quality can be won or lost; a moderately-paced harvest which allowed us to pick each specific block according to our vision without the external pressure and stress of heatwaves; and finally, a great team of motivated, cohesive vineyardists and winemakers. When we have grapes this pristine, the winemaking can be uncomplicated, without recipe or overt technical intervention, and each vineyard can speak with clarity and focus.
For more history on the winery and to learn more about the team at DuMOL, click here!
