2014 Obsidian Vineyard Syrah
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I was also able to do a small retrospective of the Obsidian Vineyard, which was completely destroyed last year in the fires that ravaged Sonoma and Napa. The 2014 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is broad and expansive, with a sexy, plush feel that’s in stark contrast to the 2015. Currants, peppery herbs, spice, full body, a stacked mid-palate, and sweet tannin define this sensational Syrah. 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 garnet-purple, the 2014 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard offers up a beautiful perfume of potpourri, bouquet garni, spice box and fragrant soil with a core of kirsch, Black Forest cake, black pepper and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features great elegance with layer upon layer of perfumed fruit, framed by fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long.
Medium garnet in color with a hint of purple, the 2014 Syrah has a perfumed nose of roses and lavender over a core of kirsch, raspberry preserves and blackberries. Medium-bodied, soft, plush and seductively crafted in the mouth, the perfumed red and black berry flavors develop into exotic spices on the long, refreshing finish.
The 2014 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is a fabulous example of Knights Valley terroir. Graphite, smoke, cured meat, licorice and incense give the 2014 its dark, brooding personality. Virile and imposing, with a real sense of vertical structure, the 2014 possesses stunning depth and intensity. There is a palpable sense of intensity and ripeness to the fruit that extends the finish effortlessly. Readers should expect an intense, full-throttle Syrah.