DuMol Wester Reach Chardonnay, Russian River 2022 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Tom Capo of the Wine Enthusiast writes 95 Points | 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.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | 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.

James Suckling 94 Points | 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.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points |  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.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | 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.

The Wine Independent 92 Points | 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.

Winemaker Description 

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.