DuMOL Chardonnay 20th Vintage Russian River Valley 2014

Founded in 1996, DuMOL began as a small collaboration between wine enthusiasts Kerry Murphy and Michael Verlander, working with founding winemaker Max Gasiewicz. Its name combines the names of Gasiewicz’s children, Duncan and Molly. The inaugural production amounted to approximately 300 cases of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—a modest beginning for a winery that would become closely associated with the finest vineyards of western Sonoma County. 

A defining chapter began when Andy Smith joined in 1999, later becoming a partner. Born and raised in Scotland, Smith discovered wine while working for an Edinburgh wine merchant. A honeymoon in Sonoma inspired him and his wife, Karen, to pursue a life in wine, followed by harvests in New Zealand, Australia, and California. Studies at Lincoln University in New Zealand and experience with Littorai and Paul Hobbs helped shape his integrated approach to farming and winemaking. Today, he serves as DuMOL’s Chief Winegrower and Proprietor. 

Based in Windsor, DuMOL concentrates on the cooler reaches of the Russian River Valley, particularly Green Valley, where coastal fog and varied soils help produce wines of concentration, freshness, and aromatic detail. The winery developed its first Green Valley estate vineyards in 2004–2005, gradually expanding its own farming alongside longstanding relationships with exceptional growers. Vineyard sources include Charles Heintz, Hyde, Lorenzo, and Dutton-Widdoes, complemented by estate sites such as MacIntyre, Flax, and Bressay.

Jenna Davis, who first joined DuMOL as a harvest intern in 2014, now serves as winemaker, working alongside Smith to preserve each site’s character. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir remain the heart of the portfolio, with smaller offerings including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Mencía. The guiding philosophy is rooted in detailed vineyard work, thoughtful harvest decisions, and patient cellar practices—producing wines that combine California’s generosity with precision, savory complexity, and a clear expression of origin.

This is a separate bottling from the standard 2014 Russian River Valley Chardonnay. This is an equal blend of Kearney Estate, Ritchie, Lorenzo and Charles Heintz vineyards, aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. The winemaker notes emphasize flint, citrus oil, lime zest, herbs and almond richness.

Producer: DuMOL

Country: USA

Region: California

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation:  Russian River Valley

Vintage: 2014

Size: 1.5L