Donum 2018 Chardonnay RRV   

2018 Donum Chardonnay Winside Vineyard Russian River Valley
San Francisco Wine Panel Score 95+ Points
Creamy-rich in oak tones and even more so in focused fruit, the nose of this lovely wine offers scents of baked apple, yellow peach, preserved lemon, nutmeg, honey-drenched nuts and a hint of white pepper. Saline minerality and piquant lemon sorbet notes bring a counterpoint on the palate to much richer flavors of tarte tatin, white peach tart, white pepper and hazelnut nougat. Bright, zesty, generous and lingering, the finish brings enough zest to match raw oysters and enough creaminess to enhance richly-sauced sweetbreads. It is delicious now and should grow more opulent for another few years. 481 cases produced.

Wine Enthusiast
94 Points
This is a concentrated, structured and complex white from the appellation, estate-farmed and robust in youthful power. A length of lemon pith, toasty oak and grippy tannin complement mineral elements of crushed rock and apple blossom, accentuating the inherent intensity. Virginie Boone 4/1/2021