Donnelly Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016

Vintage 2016 Bottle Sizes 750ml Country USA Region California Appellation Anderson Valley Wine Type Red - Still Varietals Pinot Noir Farming Sustainable Vineyard Donnelly Creek Vineyard: Mary Elke planted Donnelly Creek vineyard in 1991. As the name suggests, it is planted at the confluence of the Donnelly and Anderson Creeks, on the creeks’ banks, in rocky soils, just outside of Boonville in the Anderson Valley. Its position allows it to take advantage of the marine-influenced cool temperatures at night, low lying morning fog and long, even growing days. We have selected a mixture of Pommard, Dijon and Stang clones, farmed with care (mostly by Mary) in a Fish Friendly Farming vineyard. Soil Franciscan Loam Viticulture Cane pruned, double guyot and arc cover trained. Vinification Fermented at 50% whole cluster. All clones are co-fermented; there is no blending prior to bottling. Raised in neutral oak with native yeasts. The wine was never racked and minimally sulfured prior to bottling, which was done without fining or filtration. Aging Aged for 12 months in neutral oak. Production 370 cases. Notes Black plum, allspice, strawberries and minerals on the alluring aromas, clean and focused on the palate with more black plum, strawberry and allspice, really delicious and easy drinking with sneaky complexity.
Publication Vinous Rating 92

The 2016 Pinot Noir Donnelly Creek Vineyard is a very pretty, racy Pinot with a lovely core of bright red-toned fruit. Supple, racy and inviting, the 2016 is absolutely delicious today and should drink well for at least the next few years. Succulent red cherry and pomegranate fruit is pushed forward in this silky, inviting Pinot. The 50% whole clusters are nicely integrated into the wine's fabric.

– Antonio Galloni, April 2018