2013 Obsidian Vineyard Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is an utterly perfect wine and just couldn’t get any better. Possessing a huge, singular perfume of blueberries, bacon fat, charcoal, pepper, and woodsmoke, it’s deep, layered, and multi-dimensional on the palate, with full-bodied richness, perfectly ripe tannin, perfect balance, and a finish that just won’t quit. Syrah lovers need to beg, borrow, or steal to get a bottle of this! This is another brilliant lineup of wines from the Donelan Family, with the wines made by Joe Nielson. While their estate Obsidian Vineyard was lost in the fires last year, they’re already in the process of planning and replanting the site, and I was thrilled to taste through a small retrospective from what’s unquestionably one of the great terroirs in California. Looking at the 2015s, which are by and large the current releases, these are structured, tannic wines that are going to benefit from short term cellaring.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2013 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is very savory on the nose with notions of smoked meats, truffles, pepper and sautéed herbs with a beautiful floral background of lilacs and roses plus touches of forest floor and espresso. The palate is full-bodied, rich, concentrated and opulent with firm, rounded tannins and great freshness, finishing very long. Wow!
The 2013 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is compelling. The Obsidian is the most savory of the Donelan Syrahs, but there is plenty of depth and overall intensity in the glass. Distinct gravel, cured meat, iron, smoke, tar and licorice notes hit the palate as the 2013 shows off its personality and pedigree. The Obsidian is virile and powerful, not to mention remarkably well-balanced for a wine of its size. (AG)