Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The flavors run as deep as the dark garnet color in this full-bodied but sophisticated wine. Aromas trigger black cherry, subtle spicy oak and a walk in the forest, while the fruit flavors are ripe and delicious. The texture is like velvet—smooth but not slick. The complexity and inherent richness of flavor seem to increase with each sip, and it has firm acidity and tannins to cleanse the palate. Editor's Choice
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Pinot Noir Estate Anderson Valley is a beauty. Its deep ruby/blue color is accompanied by glorious aromas of violets, blueberries and raspberries, a medium-bodied mouthfeel, and terrific purity, texture and length. This is a cool-climate, blue-fruited effort to enjoy over the next 5-6 years.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Among the more refined wines of the Donum contingent, yet in no way lacking in richness and fruity depth, this one begins with neatly composed aromas of black cherries and sweet oak that are fully echoed in kind by its very deep, similarly precise, long-lasting flavors. Although enticingly supple to start, it quickly firms and exhibits the structure that a young, ageworthy wine needs, and its neatly proportioned combination of integral acidity, neatly placed tannins and fine fruity substance is the sure mark of a Pinot Noir destined to age famously for upwards of a halfdozen or more years.
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Wine Spectator
A successful 2011 that fills in midpalate, showing a supple texture to the ripe blueberry and wild berry flavors. Ends with firm, snappy tannins and good length. Should gain over the next few years. Drink now through 2023.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.