DuMOL Cabernet Sauvignon, Ballard 2018

DuMOL’s Ballard Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautifully poised expression of California Cabernet, showing a more classic, restrained style rather than the overly ripe profile that has dominated many recent vintages. Sourced from a high-elevation pocket on Spring Mountain, this 2018 bottling is especially compelling for its rarity, precision, and old-school elegance.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it shows a deep, dark ruby core with bright definition at the rim. The aromatics are layered and inviting, opening with dark and red berries, cassis, dried thyme, wild sage, rose petals, and cedar, with a subtle savory thread beneath. The palate is refined and beautifully composed, with ripe but fresh dark and red fruit framed by cassis, bay leaf, anise, herbs, and hints of grilled meat. Fine-grained tannins and a graceful structure give the wine a polished feel, while the balance suggests excellent development over the next 10 years or more.

Production
The grapes come from the Ballard Vineyard, set in a small clearing at around 700 meters elevation on Spring Mountain, where cooler conditions help keep the berries small and concentrated. This high-altitude terroir contributes to the wine’s intensity, freshness, and firm structure. Following harvest, the wine was matured for 20 months in French oak barrels, 57% of them new, adding depth, spice, and a subtle layer of complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Food & Serving
This Cabernet is an excellent match for grilled ribeye, roast lamb, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted venison, as well as dishes with mushrooms or roasted root vegetables. Serve at around 16–18°C, and consider decanting for 1–2 hours to let the aromatics open fully and the structure soften beautifully.

Producer
DuMOL is a highly regarded California winery known for crafting site-driven wines with purity, precision, and a strong sense of balance. Under winemaker Andy Smith, who has worked in California for nearly 25 years, the estate has earned a reputation for producing refined, age-worthy wines that stand apart from more saturated, power-driven styles in the region.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.