2017 Donum Pinot Noir Russian River Reserve
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Pinot Noir Reserve is also from the Russian River and was destemmed and brought up in 80% new oak. Despite the relatively high level of new oak in most of Dan’s releases, the wines are never over-oaked and have integrated their élevage beautifully. Lots of strawberry and raspberry fruits as well as notes of crushed flowers all emerge from this terrific wine. With good purity of fruit and integrated acidity, it has a plush core of fruit and is already drinking nicely. I would enjoy bottles over the coming 5-7 years, although I’m sure it will keep longer.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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This is Donum's top barrel blend and is usually composed mostly of 667 clone fruit. The 2017 Pinot Noir Reserve Russian River Valley has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and scents of crushed blueberries, violet, boysenberry preserves, cranberry and pomegranate—loads of lush fruit—with black tea leaves, cinnamon touches and forest floor. Light to medium-bodied, it's silky and intense in the mouth with a sturdy frame of fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity, finishing very long and very spicy. 320 cases were made.
A nose that is so rich in fruit that the complexity held below is almost obscured in this youthful phase. But some time in the glass unlocks plenty of interest, in the form of ripe dark cherries, iodine and dark stones. Impressive depth and plushness on the palate with layer upon layer of perfectly ripe cherries that are stacked deep into the finish. Superb pinot noir with poise, focus and intensity. Try from 2022. This has a bright future.
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.