2009 Donum Estate Thomas Carneros Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 101 cases, $100. This bottle honored Thomas Ferguson’s 100th birthday. 100% de-stemmed, native primary fermentation, aged 16 months in 1-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A terrific wine that defies its 11-year-old age, drinking like a new release but with pliant tannins and oak faded into the background. Bold dark fruits, brown spices, anise and leather are featured on the nose and palate. A robust wine that seduces with a mouthfeel that is smooth as a baby’s bottom. An appropriate memorial to Thomas. Score: 94. Reviewed August 29, 2020

Winery: Donum Estate
From article: Historic California Old Vine Pinot Noir Vineyards Pulled Out or Planted Shortly After 1980 or Lacking Verifiable Planting Information