2012 Donnelly Creek Pinot Noir

New outfit with the Wind Gap winemakers Pax Mahle and Scott Schultz. Vines were planted in this relatively cool location (home to Roederer Estate and Navarro) in 1991. Quite deep crimson. But really very burgundian in build and energy. Light and lively. Silky tannins. Very savoury and fine. Exciting! Lovely succulence and refinement on this wine. Spreads with some cranberry fruit all across the palate with real polish. Not cheap but not overpriced. Real persistence but not alcoholic power. Bravo! (JR)

Vivid red. Intense spice- and mineral-accented red berry, cherry and floral pastille aromas show excellent clarity and a hint of anise. Silky, sweet and expansive, offering vibrant raspberry and spicecake flavors that deepen with air. Shows a suave, silky texture and finishes long and sharply focused, with sneaky tannins adding grip.

The 2012 Pinot Noir Donnelly Creek Vineyard, from a site in Anderson Valley, is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Dark red berries, plums, cinnamon, licorice and wild flowers jump from the glass. The 2012 is rich, racy and beautiful to the core. Savory notes from the 25% whole clusters add lift to balance the racy, voluptuous finish. This is a fabulous showing from Wilde Farm.