DuMol Wester Reach Pinot Noir 2022

Taking on a darker ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Wester Reach brings forward woodsy spice aromas, with notes of fresh cherries, pine, and peppery spices. Approachable on the palate, it offers ripe tannins, a supple texture, and a nice lift of freshness on the finish. It is a charmer for sure and is going to offer a wide drinking window over the coming 10-12 years. Bottled unfiltered, 4500 cases were produced.

What will you love about this wine? Maybe it's the nose that screams with Bing cherry, black tea and cola aromas. Maybe it's the powerful palate brimming with flavors of macerated raspberry, rose petal and sarsaparilla. Or the rich, plush tannins balanced by laser-like tangerine acid with a minute long finish that evolves and swirls. Maybe it's all of the above.

This is succulent and almost bouncy in feel, with perky acidity driving the core of gently mulled cherry, raspberry and boysenberry fruit. Shows a dusting of red tea and sandalwood on the finish, where the structure holds sway at this early stage. Cellar for maximum effect. Best from 2025 through 2036. 4,450 cases made.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Wester Reach comes from several vineyards including Dumol Estate, Occidental Road, Dutton Ranch, Flax Estate and Placida. Grapes were harvested on August 15 and later on September 8, after the Labor Day heat wave set in. "About 15% of this wine was picked after the heat," winegrower Andy Smith says candidly. "That's that flush of riper fruit." Fermented with about 15% whole clusters, it has soft scents of strawberries, raspberries, rose petals and bitters. The medium-bodied palate is immediately approachable with its plush, spicy layers, and it has a long, perfumed finish. 4,450 cases were made.