95 Points                                                          

DuMol make some of the best and most sought-after Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley and California. Limited single vineyard Chardonnay from the legendary Heintz Vineyard.

95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "A medium yellow hue, the Dumol 2023 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard Isobel offers the ripeness and decadence this site captures, though in this vintage, it leans more toward the mineral side, with white peach, salted pineapple, white flowers, and lemon peel citrus. The palate has medium to full-bodied richness, though it has a very elegant feel, with a lovely, savory texture and a long finish. It was aged in cigar-shaped barrels. Drink 2025-2037...

...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."

Winery Notes: "Given its cool, foggy coastal exposition, Heintz is our final Chardonnay vineyard to harvest each year. The grapes hang on the vine for an extended period, steadily building character and richness while never losing acidity; that’s what makes the vineyard so special. The wait can be nail-biting at times, especially if an early Fall storm is approaching, but under the steady hand of Charlie Heintz, a wily old veteran grape farmer, fruit and wine quality are never less than spectacular."