2015 Donelan Pinot Noir Two Brothers
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Tasting notes
Moving to the two Pinot Noirs, the 2015 Pinot Noir Two Brothers comes mostly from a site on Sonoma Mountain and saw a touch of whole clusters and 30% new French oak. It reveals outstanding notes of cherry and red currants, lots of spice, pine forest, and forest floor, medium body, and a balanced, savory, elegant style. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years. 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 pale to medium ruby-purple colored 2015 Pinot Noir Two Brothers has lovely redcurrants, black raspberries and baking spice notes with hints of black pepper, roses and dusty soil plus a hint of oolong tea. Medium-bodied, it delivers a great intensity of ripe red and black berry flavors with plenty of spicy accents and a plush texture, finishing long and refreshing.
The 2015 Pinot Noir Two Brothers is gracious and lifted, as it always is. Red berry, fruit and savory herb notes sit in a very attractive upper register of expression. The more delicate side of Pinot Noir is on display in this classy wine from the Donelan family. Sadly, yields are down by two-thirds.