2023 DuMOL Estate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, California

The higher elevation cousin to the Bressay, the 2023 Chardonnay DuMol Estate comes from a two-acre section of the vineyard planted to the Mt. Eden clone of Chardonnay. From this protected, tree-shaded site with high-density spacing (which ripens about a week later), the wine displays a bright yellow color and offers a wonderful, focused drive on the nose, with notes of fresh ginger, fresh apples, lime, and saline. It has a compact core with good density, although it ultimately showcases its more cool-vintage character with its vibrant energy and persistent length. Drink 2025-2037.

97 points Jeb Dunnuck, February 2025

Laser-focused on citrus flavors and offering brilliant, bracing acidity that makes it feel so linear and fresh. Lemon zest, lime curd and a bit of green apple freshness, then chalky minerals and white pepper as you keep sipping. An amazingly fresh wine with a low pH more likely in a German riesling. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.

97 points James Suckling, June 2025

The 2023 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard comes from high-density Mt. Eden vines. Grapes were harvested from September 23 to October 1, and the wine was matured for 11 months in 26% new French oak cigare barrels, followed by six months in tank. It has a kaleidoscopic perfume of crème brûlée, panna cotta and matchstick, melon, nectarine and orange peel. The full-bodied palate is incredibly powerful and concentrated, and its exotic, tropical flavors are delivered in a luxurious, satiny texture. It's balanced by vibrant acidity and has an epically long finish. Drink 2025-2040.

96 points Erin Brooks for Wine Advocate, September 2025

DuMOL Estate Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast is a thrilling expression of cool-climate coastal Chardonnay, crafted by the meticulous and highly regarded winemaker Andy Smith. Grown at the winery’s estate vineyards in Occidental, this wine benefits from the region’s fog-laced mornings, brisk afternoon winds, and Goldridge sandy loam soils—an ideal terroir for Chardonnay of structure, tension, and elegance.

The wine opens with aromas of white flowers, lemon oil, crushed sea shells, and orchard fruits, followed by subtle hints of flint, almond skin, and ginger. On the palate, it’s all about restraint and balance—nothing is overdone. Juicy citrus, white peach, and green apple drive through a beam of electric acidity, with creamy oak integration and just a whisper of matchstick reduction. The finish is long and mouthwatering, leaving a mineral imprint that begs for another sip.

From a small vineyard planted to high vine density and surrounded by the aromatic coastal forest. Fermented in French oak (26% new), left on lees for 11 months, followed by 6 months of settling in tank.

Often the the most dynamic, complex and cerebral white wine of the vintage for DuMOL, it has a naturally savory, botanical focus, it has great nuance and detail with fruit intensity, oily textural richness, and brisk mineral acidity. A wine true to its coastal Sonoma origins, combining the precision of Burgundy with California's coastal energy. This is a wine that will reward a few years in the cellar, but it’s hard to resist now with dishes like kingfish crudo, roast chicken, or grilled lobster tail.