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2023 Donum Carneros Chardonnay

The rare Carneros Chardonnay that made James Suckling say "Delicious."

Image of 2023 Donum Carneros Chardonnay
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2023 Donum Carneros Chardonnay

The rare Carneros Chardonnay that made James Suckling say "Delicious."

Retail $95
$89.99
/ bottle
You save $5.01
  • "So Much Purity And Precision; Delicious" ~ 95 James Suckling
  • "One of the Finest Estates in Carneros" ~ Wine Enthusiast
  • Immersive Vineyard Experience with Iconic Art
  • Regenerative Organic Certified® Estate Chardonnay
  • Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

 

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What makes
Donum Estate next level?
Image of 2023 Donum Carneros Chardonnay 2023 Donum Carneros Chardonnay
$95
$89.99
/ bottle
You save $5.01

About The Wine

2023 Carneros Chardonnay was sourced from estate blocks planted in 2013 and 2016, blending Wente, Côte d'Or, and Mt. Eden clones. Fermented primarily with native yeast in French oak — with a small percentage in concrete — and aged undisturbed for 16 months without lees stirring, this is a wine built for texture, freshness, and complexity in equal measure. Only 537 cases were produced.

Established in 2001 in the rolling hills of Sonoma’s Carneros region, Donum Estate has crafted its reputation on a simple belief: exceptional wines begin with an unwavering respect for the land. Every acre is farmed with intention, every vine nurtured with precision, and every decision rooted in sustainability.

Donum brings to life a rare harmony between fine wine, regenerative agriculture, and world-renowned contemporary art.

The Donum Collection, founded in 2011, is housed within The Donum Estate, one of the world’s largest private sculpture collections. Spanning over 200 acres, the estate features more than 60 monumental works, including site-specific commissions, displayed throughout the vineyards. The collection brings together renowned artists from 18 countries, with iconic pieces by figures such as Louise Bourgeois, celebrated for her Guggenheim sculptures; Fernando Botero, known for his larger-than-life depictions in Colombian art; and Yayoi Kusama, famous for her mesmerizing polka-dot installations. The fusion of art, wine, and land makes The Donum Estate a visually stunning and internationally recognized destination for collectors, travelers, and wine lovers.

Their philosophy is uncompromising. Donum farms to low yields to capture the purest expression of each site, channeling the vineyard’s energy and character into fruit of extraordinary concentration.

In the cellar, only the finest barrels make the cut, shaping wines that are rich yet impeccably balanced, layered yet refined, powerful yet elegant. The result is a portfolio of limited-production, critically acclaimed wines that consistently deliver remarkable depth and distinction.

As Wine Enthusiast notes, “Among the finest estates in Carneros, Donum is already a can’t-miss producer for many. But there’s an additional draw beyond its stunning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: a world-class outdoor sculpture garden with works from Ai Weiwei, Anselm Kiefer, Louise Bourgeois, Richard Hudson, Keith Haring, and many others.”

Donum isn’t just a winery—it’s an experience, where art, earth, and craftsmanship come together to create something unforgettable.

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At A Glance

Varietal:
Chardonnay
Region:
Sonoma County
Sub-Appellation:
Carneros
Alcohol:
14.1%
Size:
750ml

TASTING NOTES

What's in the Glass

PAIRS WITH
Fish · Chicken · Poultry · Cheese

Mouthfeel & Acidity

Light Body Full Body
 
 
 
 
 
Low Acidity High Acidity
 
 
 
 
 
Soft Tannins Firm Tannins
Dry Sweet

100% Chardonnay.

Medium straw in color, the 2023 Carneros Chardonnay opens with aromas of lime, orange blossom, honeydew melon, and a hint of freshly split wood. On the palate, classic Carneros flavors of Golden Delicious apple and peach emerge alongside notes of kiwi, melon, and wildflower honey.

The mouthfeel is resonant and high-toned — striking a balance between richness and elegance with remarkable intensity. Drink now through 2035.

CRITIC REVIEWS

What the Critics Said

The palate is focused and pure, with a mid-weighted texture and underlying power and tension. So much purity and precision. Delicious. ~ 95 James Suckling

The 2023 Chardonnay (Carneros) is bright, aromatic and wonderfully expressive right out of the gate. Orange peel, almond, tangerine and white flowers lend notable freshness and verve throughout. This is impeccably done. ~ 92 Vinous Media

Matured for 16 months in 33% new French oak, the 2023 Chardonnay Carneros has open-knit aromas of matchstick, golden apples, hazelnut, beeswax and acacia. The medium-bodied palate offers bright fruit and refreshing acidity with savory accents and a long, elegant finish. It’s easy-drinking without sacrificing nuance. 537 cases were made. ~ 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

THE PRODUCER

Donum Estate

Donum Estate is where art, earth, and wine meet in perfect harmony. Established in 2001 in the rolling hills of Sonoma’s Carneros region, Donum has built its legacy on the belief that great wines are born from a profound respect for the land. Each vineyard block is farmed with meticulous care, integrating organic and biodynamic practices that allow nature to lead.

The estate’s name—Donum, meaning “gift” in Latin—reflects the philosophy at its core: every bottle is a gift from the vineyard, shaped by coastal breezes, golden California sunlight, and the rugged character of its soils.

Today, under the guidance of the Donum team and with the estate’s iconic open-air sculpture collection watching over the vines, Donum continues to craft expressive, site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that capture both the artistry of winemaking and the soul of the land.

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