2022 DuMOL Chloe Vineyard Russian River Chardonnay, California

A Central Russian River Blend, the 2022 Chardonnay Chloe is a bright yellow hue and captures a wide spectrum of citrus with notes of orange, Meyer lemon, fresh pineapple, toasted spice, and a hint of almond through the mid-palate as well as a nice lift of citrus on the finish. It’s a beautiful wine offering a richer tone through the range. Drink 2024-2034.

96 points jebdunnuck.com June 2024

Lemongrass, sage and apples with some pastry dough and flint. Medium-bodied with a pretty core of fruit and hints of minerals, flint and spices such as peppercorns and cloves. Drink it now.

95 points jamessuckling.com

DuMOL Chloe Vineyard Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley is a benchmark example of Californian precision meeting Burgundian finesse. Sourced from the cool Green Valley subzone, this single-vineyard Chardonnay is crafted by winemaker Andy Smith, a long-time champion of site-specific, age-worthy wines that express place with intensity and purity. Chloe Vineyard, planted with heritage Wente clones, is situated on Goldridge soils—well-drained, sandy loams that naturally moderate vine vigour and enhance complexity in the finished wine.

This Chardonnay is anything but flashy. It's deeply layered and quietly powerful, opening with aromas of Meyer lemon, white peach, grilled hazelnut, and crushed stone. There's a quiet tension on the palate—zesty citrus and underripe stone fruits are laced with saline minerality, struck match, and very fine oak. The texture is glossy yet taut, with a long finish that hums with energy and precision.

Despite its elegance, it is by no means shy. It benefits from decanting in youth, but will reward cellaring for a decade or more. DuMOL’s commitment to minimal intervention and sustainable farming shows in every detail of this wine, which is consistently rated among the top Chardonnays from Sonoma.

Ideal with dishes like seared scallops with cauliflower purée, roast chicken with tarragon, or lobster with lemon butter.