DONNELLY CREEK PINOT NOIR 2014
WILDE FARM

“An incredible first vintage from this new venture that draws on the considerable skill of winemaker Pax Mahle. Wilde Farm’s Donnelly Creek is a style of Californian Pinot that I love to drink. It’s restrained and elegant while retaining lovely ripeness and expressiveness. Dark red berries, spice and rose petals. Slightly savoury and wonderfully fresh. Delicious.”

“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.”

“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!”

“The 2013 Pinot Noir Donnelly Creek Vineyard bursts from the glass with exotic red berries, mint, crushed flowers, spices and pine. Vinification with 50% whole clusters and aging in new oak contribute to the wine's totally translucent personality. Hints of orange peel and rose petal add intrigue and nuance. Weightless, perfumed and super-expressive, Wilde Farm's Pinot Noir is superb.”