2016 Donelan Pinot Noir Two Brothers

The 2016 Pinot Noir Two Brothers is pretty and lifted, as it typically is. Fresh raspberry, rose petal, white pepper and mint notes give the 2016 lovely aromatic brilliance to play off its mid-weight personality. A touch of whole cluster influence comes through in the wine's distinctly floral/savory profile. This is nicely done.

The 2016 vintage at Donelan saw poor fruit set, and yields for Pinot Noir were about half of normal yields. It was also the earliest harvest on record for Donelan, with most of the fruit picked before the end of September. The 2016 Pinot Noir Two Brothers was aged for 18 months in 35% new oak, and about 20% whole cluster was used this vintage. Fruit comes from Sonoma Mountain and Bennett Valley. Pale to medium ruby in color, it has a wonderful open nose of dried red cherry and cranberry, crushed raspberry, petrichor, dusty earth, dried citrus peel, potpourri and an array of underlying spiciness. Light to medium-bodied, with good concentration of spicy fruit and mineral character, it's refreshed by bright, juicy acidity and finishes long and textured. 468 cases produced.