2023 DuMOL FINN Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, California

The ruby-hued 2023 Pinot Noir Finn comes two-thirds from sandy soils and one-third from clay soils. It has fantastic balance, with pristine notes of preserved cranberries, raspberries, fresh flowers, and wet stones. Medium-bodied, it floats on the palate with fine tannins that are well-defined, refreshing acidity, and a seamless feel all around. A beautiful wine with a chalky mineral texture and a long, floating finish, it’s always a pleasure to taste this cuvée, and this vintage is no exception. Drink 2026-2046.

Late last year, Andy Smith handed over the winemaking portion of his title to Jenna Davis. Jenna has been with the winery for over ten years, joining as a harvest intern in 2014 and working up to assistant winemaker. Andy retains his roles as partner and winegrower at DuMOL but was ready to pass the torch to the next generation in the winery’s legacy. The 2023s for this report were tasted in Sonoma with Andy and Jenna, as they have been for all three years of my coverage. Earning top marks for what this vintage has to offer, across the range the wines capture freshness and retain the focused concentration that gives them serious potential for longevity.

99 points jebdunnuck.com

Power and richness come with grace and balance in this top-tier wine from Dumol. So drenched in berries and dark cherries, then backed by vivid tannins and brilliant acidity on a ripe-tasting but tangy palate. Forest floor, black tea, bay leaves, cloves and cedar. Medium-bodied yet muscular and structured for potential long-term aging. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.

98 points jamessuckling.com

The 2023 Pinot Noir Finn comes mainly from Dumol’s Bressay Estate Vineyard, plus a smaller portion from the Occidental Road Vineyard. Grapes were harvested on September 15 and 25, and the wine was matured for 15 months in 40% new French oak. It has multifaceted aromas of blackberry, blueberry, juniper, iron and garrigue. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and energetic with intense, kaleidoscopic flavors structured by refined, silky tannins. It’s balanced by vibrant acidity that lures you back to the glass for another sip, and it has a very long, layered finish. It unfurled dramatically for several days after being opened and should be long lived in the cellar. 900 cases were made.

96 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

DuMOL was founded by Andy Smith, who after years working in Bordeaux and California set out to craft vineyard driven wines that could stand with the world’s best. Based in the Russian River Valley, the estate focuses on cool, coastal influenced sites where fog and long growing seasons allow Pinot Noir to ripen slowly and evenly. FINN is one of DuMOL’s most celebrated single vineyard expressions, sourced from a meticulously farmed parcel that delivers both concentration and aromatic lift. The philosophy is precision viticulture paired with restrained, thoughtful winemaking.

Fruit is harvested in small lots to preserve site character. Fermentation is carefully managed with gentle extraction to build fine tannin and depth without heaviness. Maturation in French oak adds structure and subtle spice while allowing the vineyard voice to remain clear. The goal is balance and longevity, shaping a Pinot that combines richness with freshness.

Deep ruby in colour, the aromas open with black cherry, raspberry and plum layered with rose petal, forest floor and subtle oak spice. The palate is medium to full bodied and silky, with red and dark fruit wrapped in fine tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavours of berry, savoury earth and spice extend into a long, persistent finish.

It pairs beautifully with duck, pork, mushroom dishes and roasted poultry. Already compelling for its depth and polish, it will cellar confidently for twelve to fifteen years, gaining earthy and truffle complexity.

This is Russian River Pinot at serious resolution, concentrated, refined and built to age.