Vineyard: Donum Estate

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Along the Pinot Trail in California: Part 2 - North Coast & Other (9.8 6/24/2012)
The Donum Estate: 2012 Gifts of the Land (10.6 3/15/2015)
Colombian-born, French-trained, California-based Winemaker Achieves Remarkable Success (11.13 11/12/2017)
Cattleya: California Wines with a French and Colombian Accent (10.25 2/5/2016)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.24 6/9/2018)
More Sips of Pinot (9.16 12/10/2012)
Three Sticks Wines: Three Superb Varietals (9.21 3/23/2013)
The Donum Estate: The “Ultimate Pinot Noir Project” (9.21 3/23/2013)
Recent California Pinot Noir Tastings are Inspirational (10.27 3/12/2016)
Small Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.17 9/18/2015)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Stemmler
La Rochelle Winery
Cattleya Wines
Donum Estate

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Cattleya Wines Donum Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 65 cases, $70. Sourced from the West Slope block containing the vineyard’s oldest vines. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black raspberry, dried dark rose petal and spice are enticing. Deep, dark and mysterious, with a generous amount of sappy black fruits touched by oak and supported by sleek tannins. Very polished, with a sexy, plush texture, and finishing long and dry. A bit reserved upon opening, showing off more when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Cattleya Donum Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 50 cases, $70. Sourced from the oldest (37-years-old) vines at Donum, the West Slope. Roederer clone. 25% whole cluster. 5- day cold soak, fermented on skins for 18 days then barreled down. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Lovely nose offering aromas of exotic spices, fertile earth, dark chocolate and blackberry preserves. Silky and seductive in the mouth with impressive harmony, displaying mid weight flavors of darker cherry, black raspberry and pomegranate accompanied by a stealthy earthy tone and the slightest thread of oak. Well structured but integrated tannins with a noticeably long finish that ingratiates with pleasure. Score: 94. Reviewed November 12, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Stemmler Ferguson Cuttings Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.68, 48 cases, $44. Martini clones planted in 1974 by Thomas Ferguson were pulled out in 2010, but a block on the Donum Estate Vineyard was planted with budwood from the Ferguson Vineyard. Bottled August 2014. 100% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, post fermentation maceration. After resting on lees for 10 months, two favorite barrels were selected from the lot and blended and bottled. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. With swirling, the aromas really pop, including notes of cherry reduction sauce, baking spice and sweet oak. Impressive on the attack, with an eye opening burst of black cherry, boysenberry and spice flavors. Very charming in the mouth, with a soft, seductive texture and a glorious finish replete with black cherry goodness. This wine clearly stands out among the 2013 Stemmler Pinot Noir lineup. Score: 93. Reviewed September 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Cattleya Wines Donum Vineyard Sonoma Carneros Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.65, 88 cases, $70. Roederer clone. 25% whole clusters. 5-day cold soak, fermented on the skins for 18 days, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Nicely perfumed, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and a deft touch of oak. Structured and somewhat bold, with earth-kissed flavors of black cherry and blackberry. The firm but polished tannins are nicely balanced by a laser beam of acidity propelling the finish. A classy wine that is built to age, and a proper salute to Carneros terroir. Score: 93. Reviewed February 5, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Donum Single Vineyard Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.59, 650 cases, $72. Sourced from the best blocks of the estate 70-acre vineyard and includes a selection of the most appealing barrels within each lot. 95% Donum selection and 5% Calera selection. Aged on fine lees 14 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Savory and fruity notes compliment the aromatics, including scents of black cherry, cardamom spice, toast, earthy flora and bramble. A mid weight styled wine with succulent black berry and black plum fruit flavors built around a core of typical Carneros earthiness, with suave tannins and easy approachability, and good finishing persistence. Score: 91. Reviewed March 12, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Donum East Slope Single Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.65, 157 cases, $90. Sourced from an east-sloping vineyard block of the Donum Ranch planted to a Calera selection. East Slope is a cool site, prone to uneven set with a mix of large and small berries. 5-day cold soak, slow natural fermentation, brief extended maceration, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The most expressive nose in the 2013 Donum lineup, with welcoming aromas of Bing cherry, cake spices and sandalwood. This wine oozes charm and freshness, featuring mid weight flavors of cherry, dark red berry and plum. Cohesive tannins and acidity make for seductive drinking. The finish has remarkable staying power as well as a dancing suavity. This wine is a perfect prelude to seduction. Score: 95. Reviewed March 12, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Donum West Slope Single Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.62, 269 cases, $90. Sourced from the middle portion of west-sloping vineyard block, a 5.5-acre site at the Donum Ranch. The Donum Roederer selection (the “Donum selection”) is the mainstay of the Donum Carneros Pinot Noir and certain vines developed further depth and complexity, so a stand-alone West Slope bottling was started in 2007. 100% Donum selection. 100% de-stemmed, 8-day cold soak, 4 weeks in tank, aged on the lees 15 months in French oak barrels, 63% new. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. A very engaging wine, offering hi-tone aromas of darker berries and cherries and a sprightly note of potpourri. The luscious core of dark red and black berry fruits is long and expansive, and accented by hints of cola, sweet oak, and earthiness. Impeccable balance, with a silky countenance and a classy finish of notable aromatic persistence. Score: 94. Reviewed March 12, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Donum Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.79, TA 0.60, 766 cases, $72. 84% Donum clone and 16% Dijon 667 clone from the Donum Estate. 6 to 10-day cold soak, punch downs three or four times per day to ensure proper extraction. The fermented wine was left on the skins for two to twelve days. The free run wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and the wine was aged 11 months, at which point the best barrels were selected for the Donum Carneros wine. These barrels were then aged an additional four months, before bottling in February 2014. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Generous aromas of earth-kissed blackberry, black raspberry and cassis with a lovely hint of spice and sassafras. Glamorous and stylish on the palate with mid weight flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry and spice, offering an intense attack and a lifted finish. The wine’s firm, but balanced tannic backbone and complimentary oak make for easy approachability. I liked the wine more each time I returned to the glass. Score: 92. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Donum Estate Grown East Slope Carneros Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.68, 132 cases, $90. 100% Calera selection. 100% de-stemmed, cold soak, two long pump overs with very few punch downs, pressed just after dryness with no extended maceration to highlight its delicacy. The free run juice was aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A brawny and sappy young wine with vibrant aromas of black cherry and blackberry, bramble and grilled mushroom. Generously endowed with boysenberry and cherry flavors framed by muscular tannins that are most evident on the slightly astringent finish. Oak plays a supportive role in the background. The wine was more appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing more extravagant fruit aromas and flavors. Still a little rough around the edges, this wine will benefit from more cellaring. Score: 92. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Donum Estate Grown West Slope Carneros Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.61, 273 cases, $90. 100% Donum clone. Long cold soak, extended maceration, native yeast fermentation. Free run juice was aged a year in a mix of 75% new and 25% used French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Complex aromatic profile including scents of strawberry, cherry and raspberry with earthy compliments of mushroom, fern and balsam. The following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose had evolved and became intoxicating with a flourish of berry and cherry fruit and spice. Mid weight plus in structure with darker fruit flavors on the palate including dark red berries and cherries with a touch of spice. Very plush, with substantial but not intrusive tannins, and an astounding and enduring finish offering a festival of fruit that makes this wine stand out from the pack. A superb cellar candidate. Score: 94. Reviewed March 16, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Donum Estate Grown 1870 Carneros Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.63, 73 cases, $120. 100% Donum clone from the three finest blocks in the Donum Estate Vineyard. The finest blend from the Estate Vineyard and bottled only in exceptional vintages. The juice spent 17 to 33 days on the skins, before being drained to French oak barrels, 75% new, and aged 14 months without racking. The favorite four barrel blend was then determined and blended and bottled as the first 1870 Pinot Noir. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of dark strawberry, raspberry and enchanting sous-bois. Very refined and polished with impeccable balance. Vivid flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, pomegranate and spice, framed by structured but tucked in tannins, and finishing with uncommon drive and persistence. This wines takes the best features of the Donum Carneros Pinot Noir wines and blends them into one glorious package. Wow! Score: 95. Reviewed March 15, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Donum Estate Grown Gold Label Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $72. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red fruits, sweet oak, spice, mocha and pine. Very flavorful, featuring very ripe dark strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruits with a well-spiced finish. Oak is well integrated and the tannins are nicely balanced. The wine exhibits good focus and definition, showing more delicacy than the Black Label Estate bottling. Tasted over two days from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine lost a bit of mid palate and finishing intensity. Good (+). Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Donum Estate Grown East Slope Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $90. Martini clone. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of purple grapes, black cherries, cassis and mushrooms on the grill. Impressive fruit concentration with lip-smacking black raspberry and black plum fruit flavor, with the signature Carneros earthiness in the background, still sporting firm tannins which will need time to soften. Tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was more giving and clearly displays the goods to age. Very good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Donum Estate Grown West Slope Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $90. Limited production in this vintage and available only to wine club members. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Vibrant aromas of black cherries, peppery spice, stem and flowered meadow. Delicious core of perfectly ripened black cherry and black raspberry fruit with an undertone of dark chocolate and anise. The fruit really sings, reaching a crescendo on the powerful finish. Tasted over two days from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine is clearly built to age and will benefit from cellaring to bring the oak and tannins into optimum balance. The jewel of the Donum Estate. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Donum Estate 10th Anniversary Black Label Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 100 cases, $120. A best barrel blend from Donum Ranch crus. Aged in 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of fresh black cherries, strawberries, spice and complimentary oak vanillin. A little richer and more structured than the 2010 Estate Gold Label bottling. The wine offers layers of flavor including very ripe black cherry, black currant, dark chocolate, grilled meat, and tantalizing oak. Much better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing better integration of oak, aromas that jumped out of the glass, and a finish to die for. Exceptional. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Stemmler Estate Grown Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.62, 784 cases, $42. A limited release from fruit grown on The Donum Estate. A blend of six blocks planted to predominantly heritage selections and comprises Dijon, Martini, Roederer, Calera, Hanzell and Swan. 100% destemmed, hot fermentations lasting 5 to 9 days for maximum extraction. Extended maceration for 2 to 6 days. Each block made and aged separately until the final blend is assembled in the spring and then returned to barrel for 10 months. The blend represents every part of The Donum Estate. Total aging 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Fragrant with purple stone fruits, black grapes, tea leaves, spice and vanilla. Silky and beautifully balanced, with appealing flavors of blackberries, Hoison, and black currants with oak, tea and mushroom notes in the background. Moderately rich and earthy with well-proportioned tannins. Quintessential Carneros. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Stemmler Ferguson Block Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.63, 67 cases, $44. To be released soon. Ferguson Block sits less than a mile east of The Donum Estate. It is the oldest vineyard in The Donum Estate, planted in 1974 with an old Martini selection of Pinot Noir on St. George rootstock in gravelly, loamy clay soils. Aged 18 months in once-used French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Evocative nose offering savory and fruity aromas including black cherries, baking spice and herbs. Really wows in the mouth with flat-out delicious core of earthy black cherries accented with complimentary vanillin oak. Satiny in texture with a generous finish that makes you want to take another sip. Nothing like old vine sophistication. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 La Rochelle Donum Estate Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 115 cases, $75. Released October 1, 2012. Inaugural release from this vineyard. 100% Donum clone (a massal selection from cuttings brought to California by Roederer). Aged 19 months in 40% new and 60% second use French oak barrels. · Moderate reddishpurple color in the glass. A very exotic wine exhibiting aromas of wild berries and musk that really draws you into the glass. Delicious array of dark red and black berries with a touch of spice and an earthiness which adds to the appeal. Very supply fine-grain tannins, a silky texture and generous finishing power. Significantly better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Like actress Keira Knightley, perfumed and sensuous. Reviewed December 8, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Donum Estate Grown West Slope Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.64, 250 cases, $85. From a west-sloping block in the 5.5-acre site at Donum Ranch. Roederer selection. A barrel selection from this single block as a stand-alone wine. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, inoculated with RC212, four punch downs per day, extended maceration (total maceration time was three weeks. Aged 16 months in 70% new French oak barrels. Best barrels selected and blended in the summer of 2009. Aged in 70% new French oak (Francois Frerès, Billon and Ermitage). · Dark reddish-purple robe. Intriguing aromas of dark cherries and berries, compost, soil, hops and rose petals. Wow! Hits the mid palate with strikingly plush, spicy dark red and black fruits buffered with ideal oak integration and perfectly balanced tannins and acidity. Ridiculously long and memorable finish. Offers something different with each sip. Like Drew Barrymore - very successful at a young age (much more approachable than previous vintage). Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. An amazing wine that is California Pinot at its best and flat out one of the finest Pinots (along with the Donum Thomas) I have reviewed so far this year. Wine Spectator trumpets “94,” I say, “98.” Did I say long finish? Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Donum Estate Grown Thomas Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.34, TA 0.75, 101 cases, $100. Named for Thomas Ferguson, the owner of Ferguson Block, a 1974 planting of Martini selection Pinot Noir. Honors Thomas Ferguson’s 100th birthday. Winegrower Anne Moller-Racke has worked with this vineyard for 28 years, and the Thomas block has always stood out. Every year in blind tastings, it is see as been the best from this vineyard, a true evidence of terroir. 100% de-stemmed, native primary fermentation. Aged 16 months in 1-year-old French Billon oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of black cherries ripe strawberries, berry reduction sauce and spice. Soft, plush and supple in the mouth, with flavors of perfectly ripe black raspberries, black cherries and black tea that really wake up the mouth. The wine offers pliant tannins and a good cut of acidity on a finish that is eyeopening. The silky texture is outrageous. More approachable than previous vintages. Impeccable balance. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Hard to choose between this wine and the West Slope. You will need a cold shower after drinking this one. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Donum Estate Carneros Pinot Noir

Unreleased, bottled January 2006. Blending trials found that the addition of 10% Ferguson Block fruit to the estate juice produced the preferred wine. · This is an outrageous Pinot. The perfume of spicy cherries, licorice and sandalwood is intoxicating. A little less earthy and more fruit forward than the 2003 vintage. The balance is spot on and the peacock tail at the finish seems to linger forever. Heaven sent. Reviewed July 10, 2006 WINERY »

2003 Donum Estate Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 575 cases, $60. Cool weather at bloom cause a light set and yields were low (4.14 lbs/vine, 1.88 tons/acre). Harvest started on September 17 and was completed in 7 days. The winemaking regimen was the same as for the 2002 vintage. 100% estate fruit. This wine took extra time to come around and was kept in the bottle longer than usual before release (January 2006). · This wine is all about texture. There is plenty of structure and tannin in this wine, but it has a charming bent of delicacy to the flavors and the mouth feel that only Pinot Noir can offer. The nose entices with dark crushed berries, spice, herbs and a hint of oak. There are layers of complex flavors here including luscious dark fruits, exotic woods and mushrooms. A distinctively earthy and complete Pinot Noir that has that Pinot fabulosity. Reviewed July 10, 2006 WINERY »

2002 Donum Estate Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 458 cases, $60. The 2002 growing season was moderate until September when record heat spikes began and harvest started. Yields were 4 lbs/vine, 1.8 tons/acre. 100% estate fruit. The grapes were 100% de-stemmed, cold soaked for 4 days, and aged on the lees in 75% new French oak for 11 months. · With some air time, the aromatics open up beautifully revealing deep, black cherry essence, restrained toasty oak notes and leather highlights. The opulent and layered dark fruits are enhanced by a deft touch of oak. The wine finishes with fine tannins. This wine is still a baby, tight and concentrated, and needing time for the tannins to mature. Reviewed July 10, 2006 WINERY »