2023 DuMOL Wester Reach Russian River Chardonnay, California

So smooth, silky and lush yet fresh, balanced and lively, too. Lots of baked apples, lemon zest and creme brulee on the palate. Long, linear and expansive in the finish. Drink now or hold.

94 points James Suckling, June 2025

The appellation wine and calling card of the house, the 2023 Chardonnay Wester Reach is fresh on the nose, with notes of light flint, lime zest, bright flowers, white pepper, and green apples. It has a compact feel but with electric energy and a fantastic oily citrus texture on the finish. It’s a blend from five vineyards and was aged for 12 months in 20% new oak barrels. Drink 2025-2035.

93+ points Jeb Dunnuck, February 2025

The 2023 Chardonnay Wester Reach is blended from several vineyards including Flax, El Diablo and Heintz. Grapes were harvested September 14 to October 14, and the wine was matured for 11 months in 27% new French oak barrels, followed by four months in tank. It has enveloping aromas of peach, lemon peel, custard, toast and matchstick. The full-bodied palate is satiny and mouth-coating with concentrated flavors. It’s balanced by taut acidity and has a long, luxuriously creamy finish. Drink 2025-2035.

93 points Erin Brooks for Wine Advocate, September 2025

DuMOL Wester Reach Chardonnay is a benchmark expression of the Russian River Valley, showcasing the cool-climate character and precision that has made DuMOL one of California’s most celebrated producers. The wine offers pedigree and finesse comparable to cult names like Kistler yet remains more approachable in both style and price.

Blending four Russian River’s sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley itself with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest reaches on high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique for a true Russian River ‘village’ expression. The late and cool 2023 vintage might end up one the finest for the region. The wines will drink beautifully soon after release and should gain complexity in the bottle for many years. The Wester Reach was aged on lees for 11 months in French oak barrels (27% new) followed by a four-month rest in tank.

Soaring aromatic intensity blends floral elements with herbs, spice and citrus. Flavours on release hint at ripe lime juice, white peaches, hazelnut and green olives. The palate is taut and deep, with mineral acidity cutting through the creamy richness and broad texture. Burgundian refinement with the sunny generosity of California fruit.

Ideal food pairings would highlight both its freshness and richness: butter-poached lobster, roast chicken with herbs, wild mushroom risotto, or seared scallops.