DuMOL Wester Reach Chardonnay 2023

DuMOL Wester Reach Chardonnay 2023 opens with soaring aromatic intensity—white flowers, thyme, aniseed, ginger, and citrus fruits announce themselves immediately. On the palate, lime juice, white peach, hazelnut, and briny green olive emerge with remarkable clarity. The wine's taut yet deep structure showcases mineral acidity that cuts through its natural richness, while a broad texture and impressive drive carry through to a lingering finish of citrus oil and oyster shell. Drink 2025–2033.

Wine Spectator: 91
Offers firm, generous notes of apple, pear and lemon up front, with accents of citrus zest and details of green tea, spices and toasted almond. Additional notes of apricot pastry, fennel seed and kumquat come in on the finish, with solid acidity and a lingering note of almond skin. Drink now. 4,600 cases made.

Wine Advocate: 93
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.

Wine Advocate: 93

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.

Vinous: 92
The 2023 Chardonnay Wester Reach is laced with hints of tangerine peel, crushed rocks, white pepper and mint. Bright acids lend tension and nuance throughout. This is a fine introduction to the range.

James Suckling: 94
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.

Jeb Dunnuck: 93
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.