Dec 30, 2022
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Screen Door Cellars
| Owner(s) | Bobby Donnell, Shannon Donnell |
| Web site | www.screendoorcellars.com |
| Link to this site |
Winemakers Bobby and Shannon Donnell produce small amounts of classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir beginning with the 2012 vintage.
Bobby had moved from Texas and Shannon was studying viticulture at UC Davis when the couple met. After she graduated, they moved to the Napa Valley where Bobby took a harvest cellar position at St. Clement Vineyards and Shannon worked crush at Cakebread Cellars. They started a family and moved back to Shannon's home town of Sebastopol.
The wines are sold on the winery's website.
Articles About Screen Door Cellars
Notable Pinot Noir Producers First Met With in 2015 (10.23 12/27/2015)
Recent California Pinot Noir Tastings are Inspirational (10.27 3/12/2016)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (11.38 2/2/2019)
Recently Tasted Chardonnay (10.41 11/8/2016)
Recently Tasted Glorious Chardonnays (11.14 12/3/2017)
Screen Door Cellars (10.6 3/15/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines (11.3 5/6/2017)
Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (10.3 1/22/2015)
Reviewed Wines
2016 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 90
cases, $22.
·
Moderate pinkish orange color in the glass. Soaring aromas of strawberry, white
peach and blood orange. Generous layers of flavor unfold on the palate, including pear,
strawberry, melon and blood orange. Clean and bright, with a welcome grip of acidity on the
orange flower water themed finish. The top Rosé I tasted this year and one that can be
chilled and enjoyed on its own or used to enhance any summer dining experience.
Score: 94.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Asern Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., $25.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The aromatic profile is
somewhat unusual yet attractive, featuring prominent floral scents of white blossoms including
jasmine along with honeydew melon, pineapple and French toast. Discreet fullness and weight,
with flavors of lemon, tropical fruits and Christmas spices with a hint of caramel. Clean and crisp
with a quenching, barely sweetened finish. Not what one usually expects from Chardonnay, but
nevertheless quite enjoyable in a free-spirited style.
Score: 90.
Reviewed December 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 100 cases, $50. Released
December 1, 2018.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved, but pleasant aromas of dark, very ripe fruits
and cola. The dark cherry, blackberry and pomegranate fruit has a roasted quality and a bit of prune chimes in.
The tannin and acid balance is spot on and the wine offers some lingering fruit on the finish, but toasty oak
plays a significant role in the ultra ripe flavor profile.
Score: 89.
Reviewed February 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Leras Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 50 cases, $65. Release February 1,
2019.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely perfume of black
cherry, dark strawberry and botanical aromas. Delicious essence of
fresh black cherry with a hint of spice and toasty oak in the background.
Sleek and seamless in the mouth, with a stellar finish that harkens
another sip.
Score: 93.
Reviewed February 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Roan Family Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2%
alc., 50 cases, $65. Release February 1, 2019.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of
red cherry, red cranberry, baking spice and sandalwood lead to a lighter weighted wine fashioned in an elegant
style, displaying red cherry and red berry fruit flavors. The gossamer tannins make for a sleek texture. The oak
regimen sticks out a bit.
Score: 91.
Reviewed February 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Screen Door Cellars Asern Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., $25. Inaugural
release.
·
Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass.
Complex aromatic pleasure including scents of lemongrass,
green apple, peach skin, dried herbs and chalk dust. Flavors of
lemon, pear, Gravenstein apple and buttery brioche fan out on
the palate and hold court through a tight, lemony finish. Crisp,
even slightly steely, with icy Green Valley acidity elevating the fruit
flavors.
Score: 93.
Reviewed October 30, 2016
ARTICLE »
2015 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 200 cases, $50. Released
December 1, 2017.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. A wave of perky aromas from the get-go include dark
red cherry, dark red raspberry, baking spices and mocha. Tasty core of dark red Bing cherry with added notes
of spice and cola. Satiny in the mouth, with a cherry-driven finish. Oak stands out in the background.
Score: 91.
Reviewed February 3, 2019
ARTICLE »
2015 Screen Door Cellars Leras Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
50 cases, $65. The Leras family has been farming grapes for over 75 years. This vineyard is planted
to Pommard, “828,” and 667 clones.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose with
profuse aromas of dark cherry and raspberry, spices including sage, white pepper and a hint of vanilla.
An abundance of black cherry and cola flavors are accented with a back note of charcuterie and oak
vanillin. Smooth in the mouth with immersed tannins and a charitable finish. Most notable is that this
wine grew in appeal over time and was considerably better when tasted from a previously opened
bottle later in the day.
Score: 94.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2015 Screen Door Cellars Roan Family Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley
14.2%
alc., 50 cases, $65. The Donnel family met the Roan family at schools their children attended. 100%
Pommard clone.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enchanting aromas of red cherry and
sandalwood lead to a very charming wine that exudes pinotosity. Only modest in weight, but intensely
flavored with luxurious tastes of cherry, red berry, brown sugar and spice. The wine displays cool
climate vibrancy, a mellow finish and impeccable balance. A stunning wine that offers everything you
look for in Pinot Noir. The lighter color may put some drinkers off, but you would be regretfully remiss. I
was tasting eight Pinot Noirs and this wine was tasted at the end. It immediately made me sit up in my chair,
stare at the glass and smile.
Score: 96.
Reviewed May 7, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 240 cases, $50. A blend of two
vineyards, primarily Pommard clone. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple
color in the glass. Very ripe fruited, featuring aromas of black cherry, blackberry and black grapes. Plenty of
crunchy, sweet black fruits are nicely spiced and framed by matching tannins. Nicely crafted, with wellintegrated
oak and some finishing generosity. This wine pushes the ripeness envelope, but keeps its Pinot Noir
character in perspective.
Score: 90.
Reviewed March 12, 2016
ARTICLE »
2014 Screen Door Cellars Leras Family Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 25 cases,
$65. Primarily Pommard clone. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderate reddish purple color in
the glass. Lovely aromas of Bing cherry, spice and rose petal. Soft and polished on the palate, with
middleweight flavors of well-spiced red and black cherry fruits. The suave tannins make for easy drinking and
the cherry-driven finish is remarkably long. The wine was even better when drank from a previously opened
and re-corked bottle showing more fruit intensity and glorious spice.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 12, 2016
ARTICLE »
2013 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 180 cases, $50. Sourced
from Leras Family Vineyard. Primarily Pommard clone, with a small portion of “828” and 115 cofermented.
Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new.
·
Moderately light cherry color in the
glass. Soaring aromas of Bing cherry, baking spice and toast set the stage. On entry, the mouthful of
cherry goodness really opens your eyes, and accent flavors of cola, cardamom and oak add interest.
The wine is beautifully composed, with balanced tannins and an expansive black cherry finish that will
bring you to your knees. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. I loved it!
Score: 94.
Reviewed March 16, 2015
ARTICLE »
2012 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 100 cases, $45. Inaugural vintage from winemakers
Bobby and Shannon Donnell. Sourced from one unnamed vineyard. Primarily Pommard clone with a small portion of "828" and 115 picked over the top of the bins and co-fermented. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate dark cherry color in the
glass. The nose is really inviting, bursting with aromas of ripe Bing
cherries, strawberries, sarsaparilla and spice. The wine is very
giving with plenty of deep cherry flavor accented with a hint of cola.
Very luscious, yet nimble, with modest tannins and deft balance.
Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Score: 93.
Reviewed January 23, 2015
ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 90 cases, $22. · Moderate pinkish orange color in the glass. Soaring aromas of strawberry, white peach and blood orange. Generous layers of flavor unfold on the palate, including pear, strawberry, melon and blood orange. Clean and bright, with a welcome grip of acidity on the orange flower water themed finish. The top Rosé I tasted this year and one that can be chilled and enjoyed on its own or used to enhance any summer dining experience. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Asern Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., $25. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The aromatic profile is somewhat unusual yet attractive, featuring prominent floral scents of white blossoms including jasmine along with honeydew melon, pineapple and French toast. Discreet fullness and weight, with flavors of lemon, tropical fruits and Christmas spices with a hint of caramel. Clean and crisp with a quenching, barely sweetened finish. Not what one usually expects from Chardonnay, but nevertheless quite enjoyable in a free-spirited style. Score: 90. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 100 cases, $50. Released December 1, 2018. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved, but pleasant aromas of dark, very ripe fruits and cola. The dark cherry, blackberry and pomegranate fruit has a roasted quality and a bit of prune chimes in. The tannin and acid balance is spot on and the wine offers some lingering fruit on the finish, but toasty oak plays a significant role in the ultra ripe flavor profile. Score: 89. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Leras Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 50 cases, $65. Release February 1, 2019. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely perfume of black cherry, dark strawberry and botanical aromas. Delicious essence of fresh black cherry with a hint of spice and toasty oak in the background. Sleek and seamless in the mouth, with a stellar finish that harkens another sip. Score: 93. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2016 Screen Door Cellars Roan Family Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 50 cases, $65. Release February 1, 2019. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of red cherry, red cranberry, baking spice and sandalwood lead to a lighter weighted wine fashioned in an elegant style, displaying red cherry and red berry fruit flavors. The gossamer tannins make for a sleek texture. The oak regimen sticks out a bit. Score: 91. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Screen Door Cellars Asern Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., $25. Inaugural release. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Complex aromatic pleasure including scents of lemongrass, green apple, peach skin, dried herbs and chalk dust. Flavors of lemon, pear, Gravenstein apple and buttery brioche fan out on the palate and hold court through a tight, lemony finish. Crisp, even slightly steely, with icy Green Valley acidity elevating the fruit flavors. Score: 93. Reviewed October 30, 2016 ARTICLE »
2015 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 200 cases, $50. Released December 1, 2017. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A wave of perky aromas from the get-go include dark red cherry, dark red raspberry, baking spices and mocha. Tasty core of dark red Bing cherry with added notes of spice and cola. Satiny in the mouth, with a cherry-driven finish. Oak stands out in the background. Score: 91. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »
2015 Screen Door Cellars Leras Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 50 cases, $65. The Leras family has been farming grapes for over 75 years. This vineyard is planted to Pommard, “828,” and 667 clones. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose with profuse aromas of dark cherry and raspberry, spices including sage, white pepper and a hint of vanilla. An abundance of black cherry and cola flavors are accented with a back note of charcuterie and oak vanillin. Smooth in the mouth with immersed tannins and a charitable finish. Most notable is that this wine grew in appeal over time and was considerably better when tasted from a previously opened bottle later in the day. Score: 94. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2015 Screen Door Cellars Roan Family Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley
14.2% alc., 50 cases, $65. The Donnel family met the Roan family at schools their children attended. 100% Pommard clone. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enchanting aromas of red cherry and sandalwood lead to a very charming wine that exudes pinotosity. Only modest in weight, but intensely flavored with luxurious tastes of cherry, red berry, brown sugar and spice. The wine displays cool climate vibrancy, a mellow finish and impeccable balance. A stunning wine that offers everything you look for in Pinot Noir. The lighter color may put some drinkers off, but you would be regretfully remiss. I was tasting eight Pinot Noirs and this wine was tasted at the end. It immediately made me sit up in my chair, stare at the glass and smile. Score: 96. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 240 cases, $50. A blend of two vineyards, primarily Pommard clone. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruited, featuring aromas of black cherry, blackberry and black grapes. Plenty of crunchy, sweet black fruits are nicely spiced and framed by matching tannins. Nicely crafted, with wellintegrated oak and some finishing generosity. This wine pushes the ripeness envelope, but keeps its Pinot Noir character in perspective. Score: 90. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »
2014 Screen Door Cellars Leras Family Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 25 cases, $65. Primarily Pommard clone. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of Bing cherry, spice and rose petal. Soft and polished on the palate, with middleweight flavors of well-spiced red and black cherry fruits. The suave tannins make for easy drinking and the cherry-driven finish is remarkably long. The wine was even better when drank from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing more fruit intensity and glorious spice. Score: 93. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »
2013 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 180 cases, $50. Sourced from Leras Family Vineyard. Primarily Pommard clone, with a small portion of “828” and 115 cofermented. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light cherry color in the glass. Soaring aromas of Bing cherry, baking spice and toast set the stage. On entry, the mouthful of cherry goodness really opens your eyes, and accent flavors of cola, cardamom and oak add interest. The wine is beautifully composed, with balanced tannins and an expansive black cherry finish that will bring you to your knees. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. I loved it! Score: 94. Reviewed March 16, 2015 ARTICLE »
2012 Screen Door Cellars Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 100 cases, $45. Inaugural vintage from winemakers Bobby and Shannon Donnell. Sourced from one unnamed vineyard. Primarily Pommard clone with a small portion of "828" and 115 picked over the top of the bins and co-fermented. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate dark cherry color in the glass. The nose is really inviting, bursting with aromas of ripe Bing cherries, strawberries, sarsaparilla and spice. The wine is very giving with plenty of deep cherry flavor accented with a hint of cola. Very luscious, yet nimble, with modest tannins and deft balance. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Score: 93. Reviewed January 23, 2015 ARTICLE »