Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/6221
In WhaT MusT seeM To hIM like a previous life, Chris donatiello worked as a sales director for a large new York wine distributor, handling a number of luxur y brands. like most people who work around wine, the idea of star ting his own winer y played constantly in the back of his head. Thanks to a par tnership with serial entrepreneur Bill hambrecht, donatiello moved to California's russian river valley, where, in 2008, he opened C. donatiello Winer y on the proper ty that was formerly Belvedere vineyards. The place has been rebuilt extensively, with a new tasting room and a state-of-the-art winemaker facility geared to handle a boutique- sized 6,000 cases per year, as well as expanded and replanted gardens that are a local showpiece. donatiello and his winemaker, Webster marquez, who worked both in faraway virginia and at nearby Williams Selyem, wisely decided to concentrate on what russian river does best: Burgundian varietals. The fruit is sourced from estate and other vineyards in the prestigious middle reach area of the valley. i recently had a chance to sample several of the current C. donatiello wines. here are my notes. 90 C . Donatiello 2007 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($24) Fresh and varietal with bright, fresh fruit and tangy acidity; complex with soft, subtle oak and good mineral backbone; long and rich. 91 C. Donatiello 2007 Chardonnay, Orsi Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($38) Pure and structured with bright acidity and fresh fruit; concentrated, elegant and balanced with lovely fruit, minerals and style. 89 C . Donatiello 2007 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($38) Bright and juicy with ripe raspberr y and red cherr y fruit; racy and neatly structured with a long, fresh fi nish. 92 C . Donatiello 2007 Pinot Noir, Floodgate Block 15 Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($57) Bright and juicy with pure, elegant cherr y fruit and fi rm acidity; serious, complex and quite stunning with a long, lingering fi nish. Middle Reach Boutique C. donatiello Winer y does what russian river does best Grand Tasting February 23, 2010 New York City Meet the winemakers! A walk-around tasting with over 90 wineries from the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Puck Building 295 Lafayette Street New York City Trade and Media Admission 1:00 to 5:00 pm with proper credentials. Advance registration is recommended. Exclusive Media and VIP Seminar Registration required. 11:30 am to 12:30 pm Sommelier and Retail Buyer Seminar Registration required. 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm Consumer Admission 6:00 to 8:00 pm Ticket purchase is required. Register at: www.drinkriberawine.com/ grandtasting RegiSTeR Now! Chris donatiello in the C. donatiello Winer y aroma garden.