When we set out to produce Pinot Noir at Donelan Family Wines, we wanted to make a wine that embraces our favorite aspects of great Pinot from Sonoma County. The journey has taken us to the Two Brothers Pinot Noir where we believe terroir and technique have met at a beautiful crossroads. The composition of the Two Brothers wine is rooted heavily in Bennett Valley and Russian River Valley lending spice and earth to the nose, while the Sonoma Coast fruit gives an aromatic lift to the wine and brings length to the palate.

Named after siblings Tripp and Cushing Donelan, the Two Brothers Pinot Noir has become a fan favorite of our customers. It’s an extremely versatile wine. For one, it’s ready to drink upon release, but will also age beautifully for years if you throw a few bottles in your cellar. Our preferred food pairing with the Two Bros is always a game bird. Turkey, wings, quail, dove, or duck recipes are all super complimentary with this Pinot Noir’s dark fruit, spice, and freshness. We tend to recommend this wine for Thanksgiving every year.

Aromas recall a bouquet of rose petals and gingersnaps. A full, fleshy mouth-feel on the mid-palate with a beautiful fruit composition of plum sauce, cranberries, and fresh flowers.

Review:

"Two Brothers is sourced from prime sites throughout Sonoma County, including Mardikian, Devoto, Bucher, and Klopp in the Russian River Valley and Henry David Vineyard in Bennett Valley. The wine undergoes native fermentation in 32% new French oak and is aged for 17 months, with around 18% whole cluster inclusion. This Pinot Noir is wonderfully expressive and brooding, showcasing smoky clove, candied raspberry, leather, and white pepper aromas. Medium-bodied with remarkable fruit purity, crystalline acid tension, firm yet gentle tannins, and fragrant baking spice nuances, it represents this wine's most focused and pure expression to date. Winemaker David Milner attributes the refined tannin quality to the use of a new Pellenc sorter, which allows even greater precision and finesse in crafting this standout effort. - Jonathan CRISTALDI"

Decanter (January 9th 2025), 95 points