Winemaker’s Notes

Our organically farmed, high-density Estate Chardonnay parcel sits at the top of the ridge, amid diverse and aromatic coastal forest. The soil is sandy, but a vein of clay in the subsoil holds winter rain, so we don't need to irrigate the vines – this concentrates character. Tight vine spacing keeps the clusters and soil shaded during summer heat, so the fruit retains the micro-details of its environment. The thick-skinned grapes are tiny and carry a huge amount of natural fruit extract, translating to deep texture and chewy structure in the resulting wine. These terroir factors balance an equal measure of concentration from the soil with freshness from spacing and climate, and the wine has a long track record of developing beautifully in bottle for ten to twelve years. 

The wine's aromas and flavors feature herbal notes of sage, white pepper, thyme, bay laurel, and chalky freshness. Oily citrus fruits dominate with deep textural richness and brisk mineral acidity. The wine is intense, long, and pure, with wonderful savory complexity throughout. I always recommend drinking DuMOL Estate over two evenings, or giving it an hour's gentle decant.  

"Rich and savory, showing nice density of fruit and minerality. An incredibly compact and concentrated wine with elevated acidity that makes it unique. A hint of oily citrus peel in the finish. Quite profound. Drinkable now but structured to age for a long time." - Courtney Humiston, James Suckling

“With more clay in the soils, the 2024 Chardonnay DuMOL Estate Vineyard offers greater extract, acidity, and ageability alongside notes of white pineapple, salty earth, flint, and wet stones. More vertical and structured in profile, it was bottled just two months ago and should age beautifully over the next 15 years.” – Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck 

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner