2021 Donelan Chardonnay Cuvee Pierrine Allen Vineyard

The 2021 Chardonnay Nancie is a very pretty, understated wine. The blend of sites from Sonoma Valley, Knights Valley and Russian River Valley works so well. Bright floral accents and a kick of reduction give the aromatics lovely presence. Hints of apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, spice and a kiss of French oak open with some coaxing. The 2021 is beautifully done.

Coming from the Allen Vineyard, the 2021 Chardonnay Cuvee Pierrine is highly aromatic, with candied lime, fresh herbs, and ripe peach. Full-bodied, with good freshness throughout, it displays a rounded and supple texture, with notes of honeycomb, citrus oil, and a hint of nuttiness, and it has a long finish. Drink 2024-2034. Joe Donelan came to the wine world after he received what he calls “a life-changing education” from a sommelier on Nantucket in the 1980s. Today he is joined by his two sons, Tripp and Cushing, who oversee sales and marketing respectively. David Milner has been the head winemaker since 2017 after previously working at Groth and Eisele Vineyard. Donelan himself has worked with the Obsidian Vineyard in Knights Valley since 2001 and was able to purchase the site in 2015. Sadly, in 2017, the vineyard fell victim to that year’s fires, but they have since put a new emphasis on replanting with greater vine density. The style of the estate certainly does not shy away from ripeness, although they are wines with finesse and elegance. I am especially a fan of the wines they’re producing in the cooler Bennett Valley. The wines for this report were tasted at their Santa Rosa winery in May.