Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Blended of 55% DuMOL Estate vineyard and 45% Occidental Road vineyards, the 2014 Pinot Noir Finn has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and notes of black cherries, black raspberries and anise plus underlying suggestions of yeast, potpourri, underbrush and cedar. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of opulent fruit on offer, it has a seamless backbone of very fine tannins and gorgeous freshness, finishing long and minerally.
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Jeb Dunnuck
From a vintage compared to 2005 by Smith, who also described 2014 as one of the best for the region ever for Pinot Noir, the 2014 Pinot Noir Finn shows the balance, elegance, and length that defines the vintage. Black currants, smoked herbs, mulberries, and exotic spice notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied 2014 that still has some youthful tannins and exuberant fruit. I love its balance and accessibility, yet I suspect it will keep for over a decade.
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James Suckling
Aromas of crushed red fruit, violets, dried herbs and a hint of menthol. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, velvety tannins. A strong core of red fruit is complimented by hints of suede, chopped nuts and toasted herbs. Steadying acidity. Aging really well and still has plenty of life.
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Wine Spectator
Beautifully proportioned, with acidity, tannins and rich, juicy wild berry flavors working together. This baby needs time before it can walk and run, but the signs are all there. A laser beam of Pinot. Drink now through 2024. 460 cases made.
Respect for the land
DuMOL is a “vineyard up” winery with a fully integrated approach to winegrowing and winemaking. DuMOL planted its high-density estate vineyards and has farmed many of California’s most renowned vineyards for more than two decades.
Commitment to craft
DuMOL sticks to what works and is focused on the fundamentals, finding inspiration in master, visionary producers around the world as DuMOL continually hones its craft—never imitating, ever refining.
Connected on a personal level
This is a project that comes from who the DuMOL team is and what they love. A deep connection is paramount: to the land, the wines, and the customers.
Heritage and experience
Founded in 1996, DuMOL is a latter-day pioneer in the Russian River Valley. Winemaker, Viticulturist and Partner, Andy Smith, farmed the region for nearly a decade before joining in 1999, and Associate Winemakers Julie Cooper and Jenna Davis, and Cellar Master Jaime Eufracio, have over 40 years combined experience at DuMOL.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.