- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEW
WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2023 Donum Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir stands as a compelling expression of this celebrated cool climate appellation, capturing both the precision of meticulous estate farming and the soulful nuance that defines world class Pinot Noir. Drawn from a thoughtful mosaic of heritage clones including Pommard, Dijon 667, Swan, Calera, Mt. Eden, Martini, and the proprietary Donum selection, this wine reflects a deep commitment to clonal diversity and terroir transparency. The result is a layered and articulate Pinot Noir that speaks fluently of Carneros.
In the glass, it reveals a medium to deep ruby hue, immediately inviting and luminous. The aromatics are strikingly pure and evocative, opening with classic notes of sassafras and wild raspberry before unfolding into darker tones of black cherry and subtle exotic spice. Hints of five spice, toasted oak, and a delicate earthiness emerge with air, offering complexity without overwhelming the fruit. This is a wine that balances aromatic intensity with refinement, a hallmark of serious Pinot Noir.
On the palate, the 2023 vintage delivers a lush yet vibrant experience. Juicy red and black fruits take center stage, supported by a finely tuned structure that provides both energy and poise. The texture is silky but not weightless, carrying layers of flavor that include nuances of black sesame, gentle oak spice, and a touch of savory depth. The integration of 61 percent new French oak is seamless, enhancing the wine’s breadth without masking its intrinsic character.
What elevates this Pinot Noir is its impeccable balance. Acidity is bright and refreshing, lending lift and precision, while the tannins are polished and well integrated, guiding the wine toward a long, elegant finish. Lingering notes of cherry and spice persist, leaving a lasting impression of harmony and finesse.
Produced from organically farmed estate vineyards and fermented with native yeasts, this wine embodies both craftsmanship and authenticity. Aged for sixteen months and carefully assembled from the finest barrels, it represents the pinnacle of Donum’s winemaking philosophy. With a drinking window from 2025 through 2030, it promises both immediate appeal and short term cellaring potential.
This is a quintessential Carneros Pinot Noir that overdelivers in both character and sophistication, offering a polished yet expressive profile that will resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In the glass, it reveals a medium to deep ruby hue, immediately inviting and luminous. The aromatics are strikingly pure and evocative, opening with classic notes of sassafras and wild raspberry before unfolding into darker tones of black cherry and subtle exotic spice. Hints of five spice, toasted oak, and a delicate earthiness emerge with air, offering complexity without overwhelming the fruit. This is a wine that balances aromatic intensity with refinement, a hallmark of serious Pinot Noir.
On the palate, the 2023 vintage delivers a lush yet vibrant experience. Juicy red and black fruits take center stage, supported by a finely tuned structure that provides both energy and poise. The texture is silky but not weightless, carrying layers of flavor that include nuances of black sesame, gentle oak spice, and a touch of savory depth. The integration of 61 percent new French oak is seamless, enhancing the wine’s breadth without masking its intrinsic character.
What elevates this Pinot Noir is its impeccable balance. Acidity is bright and refreshing, lending lift and precision, while the tannins are polished and well integrated, guiding the wine toward a long, elegant finish. Lingering notes of cherry and spice persist, leaving a lasting impression of harmony and finesse.
Produced from organically farmed estate vineyards and fermented with native yeasts, this wine embodies both craftsmanship and authenticity. Aged for sixteen months and carefully assembled from the finest barrels, it represents the pinnacle of Donum’s winemaking philosophy. With a drinking window from 2025 through 2030, it promises both immediate appeal and short term cellaring potential.
This is a quintessential Carneros Pinot Noir that overdelivers in both character and sophistication, offering a polished yet expressive profile that will resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike.
95 POINTS - James Suckling
94 POINTS- "If you haven’t yet visited the Donum Estate, this estate grown bottling serves as a fine invitation to an estate that really must be experienced in person. It is an artful iteration of the bright side of Carneros, one where seven clones (including a small amount of the Donum clone) show as a fruit-forward glass of black cherry with Asian spice accents. It’s a serious crowd pleaser, so get a serious crowd together and enjoy in the next 5 to 6 years." - Rich Cook
93 POINTS - "Concentrated aromas of black cherry, purple flowers and dark chocolate dominate the nose of this Pinot. The palate is rich and weighty, with flavors of plum, licorice, orange peel and cinnamon in a framework of hearty tannin. A little time to settle in the cellar will soften this nicely." - Wine Enthusiast
94 POINTS- "If you haven’t yet visited the Donum Estate, this estate grown bottling serves as a fine invitation to an estate that really must be experienced in person. It is an artful iteration of the bright side of Carneros, one where seven clones (including a small amount of the Donum clone) show as a fruit-forward glass of black cherry with Asian spice accents. It’s a serious crowd pleaser, so get a serious crowd together and enjoy in the next 5 to 6 years." - Rich Cook
93 POINTS - "Concentrated aromas of black cherry, purple flowers and dark chocolate dominate the nose of this Pinot. The palate is rich and weighty, with flavors of plum, licorice, orange peel and cinnamon in a framework of hearty tannin. A little time to settle in the cellar will soften this nicely." - Wine Enthusiast
Goat cheese, roasted fennel, wild rice salads, bouillabaisse, pan-seared fish with fingerling potatoes and creamy saffron sauce, grilled chicken, barbecued pork chops, rabbit stew and gamey meats.