2015 Donelan Pinot Noir Barbed Oak Vineyard Cushing's Block
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Tasting notes
A truly world-class Pinot Noir, the 2015 Pinot Noir Cushing's Block comes all from the Barbed Oak Vineyard in Bennett Valley. It offers a rich, medium to full-bodied, sexy profile as well as deep, darker notes of blackberries, strawberries, spice box, flowers, and forest floor. This layered, seamless effort has integrated acidity, a blockbuster finish, and a singular character. It still needs another year in bottle but will keep for 15+. This is another brilliant lineup of wines from the Donelan Family, with the wines made by Joe Nielson. While their estate Obsidian Vineyard was lost in the fires last year, they’re already in the process of planning and replanting the site, and I was thrilled to taste through a small retrospective from what’s unquestionably one of the great terroirs in California. Looking at the 2015s, which are by and large the current releases, these are structured, tannic wines that are going to benefit from short-term cellaring.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The medium to deep ruby-purple colored 2015 Pinot Noir Cushing’s Block leaps from the glass with exuberant pomegranate, cranberry and raspberry notes with touches of lavender, rose hip tea, dried Provence herbs and forest floor. The palate is medium to full-bodied and packed with earth-accented red berry flavors, supported by firm, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing very long.
The 2015 Pinot Noir Cushing's Block is fabulous. Rich and dense on the palate, with striking inner perfume and terrific balance, the Cushing's Block is a winner. The Donelan Pinots are typically quite delicate, but in 2015 the Cushing's Block is quite rich and voluptuous. The 30% whole clusters is a bit higher than normal for Donelan, but is a choice that works beautifully here.