2016 DuMOL Chardonnay Wester Reach

Moving to the Chardonnays, the 2016 Chardonnay Wester Reach comes from a site in the Russian River, yet is further west, toward the Sonoma Coast. Medium-bodied, vibrant, and elegant, with juicy acidity and notes of white flower, citrus blossom, tangerine and subtle minerality, it’s an incredibly elegant wine that builds nicely with time in the glass. I still remember tasting with Andy Smith while I was writing The Rhône Report and I was thrilled to be able to sit down and go through all of his wines on this occasion. Stylistically, Smith makes a fresh, vibrant style of wine, yet I never find them lacking for depth and or texture. Looking at the Chardonnays, these are made in a reductive, age-worthy style and the clear majority have distinctly Burgundian profiles. These are beautiful wines that, at least to my palate, surpass the quality of the Pinot Noirs, which are slightly more variable. Nevertheless, the top Pinot Noirs are certainly up with the crème de la crème of the region. While Andy favors a tight, age-worthy style of Chardonnay, the Pinot Noirs are made in a slightly more forward style. In addition to the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, DuMOL also produces a handful of world-class Syrahs, as well as one of the top examples of Viognier coming out of California. Both the 2015s and 2016s reviewed here are terrific wines, with the 2016s showing slightly more balance and elegance, but you can’t go wrong with either vintage here.

The 2016 Chardonnay Wester Reach is a very pretty wine from Du Mol. Orchard fruit, almond, sage and mint give the 2016 a distinctly savory feel that plays off the wine's freshness nicely. Already quite approachable, the 2016 will drink well upon release.