DuMol Ballard Cabernet

Tasting Notes

Wine Maker Andy Smith's Note

There are few wines that, upon opening, immediately transport you to the vineyard itself, but our new Ballard Cabernet release is completely evocative of its forested mountaintop origins. When I take in the wine’s incredibly intense aromatics, I feel like I’m standing in the vineyard, rooted in dark red volcanic soils and surrounded by chaparral and redwoods. This is the highest calling for any wine – the unadorned, purest expression of site – and there are few vineyards more captivating than Ballard. Organically farmed, its steep hillsides produce tiny grapes that are filled with power, detail and a myriad of subtle nuances that, when combined, offer something magical and totally unique. 

Its aromatics are pure, deep and intense: plum, blackberry and cassis with complex elements of cedar, oregano and bay leaf, and a delicate, lingering note of lilac. The palate is immediately dense, deep and powerful with ripe, layered black fruits. Remarkably poised and elegant for such a rich, powerful mountain-grown wine, all its elements are precise and integrated, flowing in unison. The wine finishes with harmonious plum sweetness and broad, velvety tannins, and a rising note of perfumed anise. 

Decant this wine for an hour before serving, and drink between mid-2021 and 2030.

Winery

DuMOL was founded in 1996, focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from distinctive vineyards in Sonoma and Napa Valley.  Over the 25 years of operation, they have honed their skill in making wines of place and distinction.  DuMOL has added to the roster of varietals to include small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Viognier.  DuMOL is farming small select parcels across more than two dozen very special vineyard sites. These sites include their own vineyard as well as others in the Russian River Valley and sites in Sonoma Coast and Carneros regions.  Andy Smith, head winemaker and partner, says it takes time to determine the detailed characteristics of a vineyard and then to use the right winemaking techniques to produce the best wine possible from that site.  The capacity at the winery is 15,000 cases annually. The winery is not open to the public and sales are through their mailing list, restaurants and a small selection of public retailers.   

Kensington Wine Market is honoured to be one of DuMOL's exclusive wine stores.