2011 Obsidian Vineyard Syrah
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Tasting notes
From a cooler vintage, the 2011 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard shows much more cedar, white pepper, and spice, with that smoky black fruit that’s the hallmark of the site coming through with time in the glass. A dead ringer for a terrific, old-school Hermitage, this full-bodied effort is still youthful but is certainly drinking nicely today. 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
The 2011 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is medium garnet colored and scented of liquid licorice, plum pudding and blackberry preserves with nuances of garrigue, underbrush and smoked bacon plus a hint of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with a taut structure of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the earthy layers, finishing long and savory.
The 2011 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is an intense, exotic wine. Tobacco, game, wild flowers and smoke are all alive in the glass. The 2011 is wild, intense and totally beguiling. Wild, savory notes dominate a huge, powerful Syrah that needs time to fully come together. Tasted next to the 2010, the 2011 has a bit less overt fruit and more savory overtones, much of that from the inclusion of 33% whole clusters.