2023 DuMOL Wester Reach Russian River Pinot Noir, California

A classic, distinctive and compelling red. So leafy, floral and tea-like in aromas, then fresh, concentrated and generous on the palate, offering red cherries, sour cherries, black tea, bay leaves and blueberries backed by vibrant acidity and light tannins. Drink now or hold.

95 points Jim Gordon for James Suckling, June 2025

The 2023 Pinot Noir Wester Reach boasts a bright red hue and opens with a spicy, fresh nose that carries a cool-climate edge. Ripe cranberries, lifted spices, fresh roses, and piney herbs lead the aromatics, and it’s medium-bodied and compact on the palate, with a refreshing line of acidity, fine tannins, and a weightless texture. The finish is long and laced with elegant spice. Drink 2025-2037.

94 points Audrey Frick for Jeb Dunnuck, February 2025

The 2023 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is blended from several vineyards, including Dumol Estate, Flax, Occidental Road and Dutton. Grapes were harvested September 22 through October 10, and the wine was matured for 15 months in 28% new French oak. It bursts from the glass with intense aromas of cranberry sauce, pomegranate, orange peel, black tea leaves and conifer. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, nuanced flavours although its silky tannins and vibrant acidity give it a weightless feel, and it has a very long, layered finish. Drink 2025 – 2035.

93 points Erin Brooks for Wine Advocate, September 2025

The 2023 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is soft, fruity and easygoing, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years or more. Soft contours wrap around a core of red/purplish fruit, sweet spice and flowers. There's lovely immediacy and succulence here. Bright acids pull it all together. Delicious. Drink 2025-2030.

92 points Antonio Galloni for Vinous, January 2025

From the cool, fog influenced vineyards of the Russian River Valley, DuMOL Wester Reach Pinot Noir captures the estate’s signature balance of richness, structure and coastal precision. Founded by Andy Smith in the mid-1990s, DuMOL has become one of California’s most respected small producers. Wester Reach is a regional blend that reflects the character of the appellation, where sandy loam soils and morning fog shape Pinot Noir of generosity, perfume and fine acidity.

Highly perfumed aromas blend fresh summer berry notes with anise, pine needle, and dark cherry. The style is pure and fresh with lovely lift and floral spice. The wine’s flavours are bright yet dark and really draw you in: Bing cherry then wild blackberry, orange zest, and cardamom. The palate becomes broad and layered with understated, elegant power and fine lacy tannins supported by a fresh line of crunchy acidity. The long finish is pure, fruity, and energetic.

Imagine cedar plank salmon just lifted from the grill, roast duck shared at a bustling table, or mushroom risotto passed around as conversation gathers momentum. A spin of Beach House Teen Dream or something sun soaked like Mac DeMarco drifting through the speakers, the wine settling effortlessly into a night that feels warm, generous and quietly memorable.