Winemaker Notes
The aroma of the 2017 Donnelly Creek Pinot Noir opens with dark plum and briar, with lingering floral and spice notes. A dense entry of dark cherry, bittersweet chocolate, spice and chanterelle.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Deep and delicious black-cherry aromas and flavors fill this full-bodied wine to the rim. It has a broad rich moderately tannic texture that nicely supports the big fruit flavors and attractive cinnamon and clove complexity.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Somewhat mixed in its messages of initially outgoing fruit and a gradually tightening structure that ends with a note of tannic grip following its slightly supple beginnings, this slightly fleshy, well-filled offering is never in want of fruity substance and weight, but it wears its youth on its sleeve and a wait is in order before all of it parts align. A few years of aging will allow its fairly deep, solidly varietal fruit to move forward and take full control, and a couple more will see the emergence of increased suppleness.
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.