Aromas of plum and briar, with lingering floral and spice notes. A dense entry of dark cherry followed by flavors of bittersweet chocolate, spice and chanterelle.

VINEYARD

Hailing from Coombsville in the Napa Valley, Mary Elke moved to Anderson Valley with her husband and children in 1990 to plant and cultivate the Donnelly Creek Vineyard. Planted primarily to Pinot Noir, with a small amount of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, Donnelly Creek is perfectly suited for cool climate varieties. It is well known for the protective marine layer that gives way mid-day to sunshine - only to return in the evening.

Appellation: Anderson Valley

Clones: 100% Pommard

Terroir: Located west of Boonville, the 50 acre vineyard sits on cobbly, clay loam soil by the creek bed.

WINEMAKING

After harvest at sunrise, the fruit from Donnelly Creek Vineyard travels to Saintsbury. From there each block remains separate and receives gentle handling from the sorting table to small open-top fermenters for 5 days of cold soak prior to fermentaion. Total cuvaison was 11 days.