Deep ruby color; deep, nose of black cherry and raspberry, forest floor and coffee; full bodied, with flavors of savory cherry, black tea and spice; medium tannin; good structure and balance; long finish. Richly layered Pinot with terrific and amazing flavors; a duck breast would be great with this wine.

Alcohol-wise, Donum’s 2012 Pinot Noir Estate Reserve is one of their bigger efforts coming in at 14.7%. However, the alcohol does not show whatsoever. This dark ruby/plum-hued Pinot reveals great finesse along with beautiful floral notes intermixed with blueberry, boysenberry and cherry fruit, and no noticeable oak, heat or alcohol. This medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured Pinot Noir comes across like a premier cru from Chambolle-Musigny. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A wine that begs for time in the bottle, it stubbornly reveals bold, brawny and rich notes of black cherry, coffee and black pepper, girded by a strong presence of dark chocolate. Amid the black cherry are accompanying flavors of brambly blackberry and a suggestion of savory cranberry, all integrating with the tannins. Cellar through 2022.

From the very first sniff, this involving young Pinot exhibits the extra richness and range that its “reserve” designation implies, and its exemplary depth is nothing less than riveting. It is one of those wines whose considerable immediate appeals are certain to tempt many into drinking it far too soon, but, while thoroughly satisfying stuff in its youth, it is just as carefully structured as it is impressively filled, and it will repay three to five years of aging with guaranteed dividends.