DuMol Estate Pinot Noir 2018

DuMOL Estate Pinot Noir 2018 is a finely crafted, single-estate expression that showcases the precision and elegance for which this acclaimed California producer is known. Sourced from densely planted vines of the heritage Swan and Calera clones, it delivers a Pinot Noir of striking depth, aromatic complexity and refined structure. This cuvée has quickly become one of DuMOL’s benchmark wines, reflecting years of meticulous vineyard work and a deep understanding of cool-climate Pinot Noir in California.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 DuMOL Estate Pinot Noir shows a medium ruby to ruby-purple hue, bright and translucent at the rim but with impressive concentration at the core. The nose is immediately expressive and layered, opening with warm cranberry compote and black cherry, followed by tea leaves, pipe tobacco, tilled earth and subtle floral notes of rose petal and violet. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied yet remarkably intense, flooding the mouth with dark, earthy fruit wrapped around a core of vibrant red berries and a lift of citrus peel. Silky but firmly structured tannins—fine-grained and precise—provide a clear framework, while a lively line of acidity keeps everything fresh and mouthwatering. The finish is very long, carrying notes of spice, tea, and forest floor. This vintage has the balance and structure to evolve beautifully over the next 8–12 years, gaining further complexity and savory nuance with time in bottle.

Production
The DuMOL Estate Pinot Noir 2018 is sourced from DuMOL’s own estate vineyards in a cool, coastal-influenced part of California, where foggy mornings, sunny days and cool evenings create ideal conditions for slow, even ripening. The Swan and Calera Pinot Noir clones, planted in 2004 at high density (around 3,630 vines per hectare), encourage natural competition among vines, resulting in small yields and concentrated, characterful fruit. Grapes are typically hand-harvested at night or in the early morning to preserve freshness, then carefully sorted before fermentation. DuMOL is known for gentle vinification: a portion of whole clusters may be included for added aromatic complexity and structure, with fermentation in small, temperature-controlled vessels. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels (often a thoughtful mix of new and used) to integrate tannins and add subtle spice, without overshadowing the vineyard’s distinct personality.

Food & Serving
This Pinot Noir’s combination of dark fruit, earthiness and bright acidity makes it an excellent partner for refined, savory dishes. Think roast duck with cherry or orange glaze, herb-crusted lamb, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or poultry with truffle and root vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with charcuterie, aged cheeses like Comté or Gruyère, and dishes featuring wild mushrooms and thyme. Serve at around 14–16°C (57–61°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic complexity. Allowing it to breathe in a decanter for 30–45 minutes before serving will help the wine open up, softening the tannins and revealing its layered bouquet.

Producer
Founded in the late 1990s, DuMOL has established itself as one of California’s leading producers of site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a strong emphasis on cool-climate vineyards and meticulous, small-lot winemaking. Based in Sonoma County, DuMOL has long championed the idea that great wines are born in the vineyard, working closely with top sites and ultimately developing its own estate vineyards to capture a precise sense of place. The estate wines, such as this 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, represent the culmination of that vision and are consistently praised by critics and collectors alike for their balance, age-worthiness and finely etched character. Over the years, DuMOL has earned a reputation as a reference point for serious, Burgundian-inspired yet distinctly Californian Pinot Noir.

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.