
In northern California, in the heart of the verdant Russian River Valley, a wine is being created that combines the precision of the old world with the energy of the new. Founded in 1996, DuMOL Winery is now considered one of the most illustrious names in the region. Its name carries a personal story: it was created by combining the names of the children of founders Michael Verlander and Kerry Murphy - Duncan and Molly. Make this fall truly special with a collection of wines from the distinctive vineyards of Russian River Valley. Each bottle is made with love and passion, because for DuMOL, winemaking is not just a profession, but a way of life.
Head winemaker and current owner Andy Smith joined DuMOL in 1999. His small but experienced team produces exceptional single-vineyard wines from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chenin Blanc grapes sourced from the best vineyards in Sonoma and Napa.
For DuMOL winemakers, knowledge of the soil, terroir, and characteristics of individual vineyards is key, as these factors are reflected in the aroma and taste of the wine. The production process is only the next step—wine is born primarily in the vineyard. This approach has earned DuMOL a reputation among connoisseurs and wine lovers who seek purity, elegance, and an authentic expression of terroir.
"Wine from a single vineyard relies solely on the quality of the fruit and the farming methods used. This also applies to blended wine, but blended wine showcases the talent of winemakers in combining individual parts and getting the best out of different varieties." Jenna Davis – DuMOL winemaker.
Russian River Valley is one of California's most important wine valleys, located in Sonoma County. The area is shaped by a cool climate with fog and winds from the Pacific, especially from the Bodega Bay area. Morning and night temperatures are cool, while days are sunny and warm. The large daily temperature difference prolongs the ripening of the grapes and ensures a balance of sugars and acids.
The soils are varied – from alluvial deposits along the river, through clay sediments, to sandy loams, such as the so-called "Goldridge loam." Well-drained but not overly fertile, they force the vines to grow deeper and give the grapes a concentrated flavor. The valley is rugged, with flatter areas near the river and slopes rising into the surrounding hills. The varying orientation of the slopes creates a wide range of microclimates, ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Most of DuMOL's vineyards are located in Green Valley, a smaller sub-AVA of Russian River Valley. Green Valley is the coolest and wettest part of the valley; fog penetrates here first and stays the longest, extending the growing season. The grapes ripen slowly here, with high acidity and a delicate aromatic component. Light, well-drained sandy loam soils from marine sediments, combined with the cool climate, create one of the best terroirs for Pinot Noir. Although the area is small and less well known than the Russian River Valley as a whole, winemakers appreciate it for its ability to produce wines with exceptional finesse and terroir character.
DuMOL wines clearly reflect the character of each vineyard. Proper winemaking techniques and minimal intervention in the vineyards further enhance these characteristics. From pruning to harvest, the soil is cultivated to bring out the uniqueness of each parcel. This results in exclusive wines in small volumes, distributed mainly through a mailing list and to select restaurants around the world.
A blend from the best vineyards between the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, where the terroir excels thanks to its altitude, cool climate, and specific soils. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Highland Divide from selected estate vineyards combine the best of several parcels. During production, winemakers taste dozens of small batches, each contributing its own distinctive characteristics. Experience, sensitive taste perception, and a clear goal lead to the creation of a wine with the depth, elegance, and clarity typical of DuMOL.
After harvesting, vinification, blending, and aging, the result is a wine that is more than the sum of its parts—just like any good story. DuMOL Highland Divide is a fruity yet classic wine with intensity, spicy notes, and purity of flavor. It is delicious and accessible immediately after release, but also develops with longer aging. Highland Divide tells the story of the vineyards, individual vintages, and the craft of winemaking.
The Highland Divide Pinot Noir combines grapes from several select parcels of the DuMOL Estate, resulting in a wine with balanced depth and complexity. It expresses aromas of red and dark fruit (raspberries, cherries, plums), often with hints of flowers, spices, and forest floor. The palate is silky and layered, with soft tannins and lively acidity that adds freshness. The result is a sophisticated yet accessible wine that reflects the cool climate of the Russian River Valley. The 2022 vintage also shows a beautiful balance between fresh berry fruit, spicy woody terroir signatures, lively uplifting acidity, and a round tannin base from grapes grown on poor, sloping soils. The wine is beautifully fluid from the first sip to the long-lasting finish.
This Chardonnay comes from higher elevations on the border between Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. Thanks to the cool climate and well-drained soils, the wine has a fresh, lively character with pronounced acidity and mineral undertones. It has a typical aroma of citrus, green apple, and white flowers, complemented by subtle notes of herbs, toast, and hazelnut from sensitive oak aging. The style is elegant, clean, and structured, with a long finish and aging potential. Our selection includes, for example, the excellent 2022 vintage, which is characterized by deep aromas of oily lemon and lime, thyme and sage, quartz and honeysuckle.
DuMOL Winery is built not only on precise work with the terroir, but also on long-term sustainability – from careful vineyard management and economical use of water to supporting biodiversity in the surrounding landscape. The philosophy of respect for the soil and the environment is reflected in the character of each wine. Equally exceptional is the way in which the wines are obtained – DuMOL offers its bottles mainly through an exclusive mailing list, which guarantees a personal relationship with wine lovers and limited availability. The combination of sustainability and exclusivity makes Highland Divide wines not only an expression of the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley, but also a true collector's experience.
7.9.2025
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