2017 Donum Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
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Tasting notes
The appellation 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is outstanding, and while I can’t say it represents a good value, it’s a terrific Pinot Noir with lots of character. Gamey herbs, spice, forest floor, and floral notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, beautifully balanced Pinot that has nicely integrated acidity, fine tannins, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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Winemaker Dan Fishman says, "2017 was a challenge. It took more blending than I'm used to, though I don't really think it hurt the wine too much. It was just a lot of stress." Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Estate has a very pretty nose of dried rose petals and violet, moss-covered bark, cranberry, pomegranate and Earl Grey tea leaves with meaty and saline touches. Light to medium-bodied, it offers spicy, perfumed intensity with a firm frame of fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity, finishing very long and fragrant. 780 cases produced.
This has a briary edge with notes of fresh forest earth, flowers, berries and wood, as well as graphite and spiced fruit bread. The palate has a beautifully composed and fresh array of fine, even tannins and a sense of sleek polish and composure with dark-cherry and berry flavors holding long. So plush and polished. Drink or hold.
About the producer
Donum is a leading estate in Northern California. Based in Carneros, the property’s focus is crafting single-site Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Carneros, the Russian River Valley, Anderson Valley and Sonoma Coast. The estate is also dotted with one of the finest sculpture collections in the world.