The Donum Estate (TDE), a Carneros-based producer of Pinot Noir, has purchased the 20 acre Nugent Vineyard for an undisclosed amount.
Located in the Russian River Valley, the vineyard was previously owned by Joe and Cynthia Nugent, who grew 16 acres of the vineyard with Pinot Noir for Donum Estate under the direction of president and winegrower Anne Moller-Racke.
Nugent Vineyard initially had 11 acres, which was divided equally between Dijon Pinot Noir clones 667 in the north and 115 to the south. Recently, five acres of Pommard were planted to the west and a 2011 vintage from the 'Ten Oaks' parcel is set to come up at the site.
Till date, the winery has launched five wines including the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Russian River Reserve.
Moller-Racke said Joe Nugent is an ideal partner because he knows about their grand cru model for Pinot Noir.
"We farm all of our vineyards to the same high standard, and we focus on finding those special blocks or portions of blocks where the clone or selection aligns perfectly with the site to offer pure expression in a complete wine," Moller-Racke added.
