DuMOL 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

#7 Wine Enthusiast Top Cellar Selections 2021 

 At DuMOL their philosophy is that each wine is built in the vineyard. Soil types, microclimates, plant material, maturity levels, how the vines react to the growing conditions, there are so many detailed variables. The nuance, the depth and complexity of the fruit that results from those variables – that’s what they aim to achieve and translate to bottle. 

Grapes for this 2018 Napa Cab are sourced from select vineyards throughout the Valley. 40% comes from True Dog Knoll Vineyard in Oakville. This classic family-owned West Oakville foothills site is surrounded by some of the most famous California Cabernet vineyards - truly a great pedigree. 36% is from Meteor Vineyard in Coombsville. Tucked into the southeast corner of Napa Valley on gently rolling hills of well-drained volcanic ash soil, this site produces Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth, focus, and minerality. 12% comes from DuMOL Roach Estate in St. Helena. Nestled in the narrowest part of the hour-glass-shaped Napa Valley, this very rocky benchland is our warmest site. This tiny backyard vineyard is truly special. And 12% is from Ballard Vineyard in the Spring Mountain District. Ballard Vineyard Vineyard is a small vineyard at the summit of Spring Mountain where the land is steep, rocky, and wild. The average vine age of the grapes is 19 years and the wine aged 20 months in 56% new French oak barrels. 

Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded this a Cellar Selection (#7 Cellar Selection of 2021) and scored it 98 points saying "A lovely, 100% varietal wine aged 20 months in French oak, this is juicy, herbal and offers a substantial foundation of power. Cedar, tobacco and tomato leaf accent a core of crushed rock, dark plum and threads of acidity—the weight and structure lifted by underlying freshness. This is a good candidate for cellaring; enjoy best from 2028 through 2038."