2010 Cuvee Keltie Syrah
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Tasting notes
Still inky colored, with no evolution, the 2010 Syrah Cuvee Keltie is one of the more powerful, backward wines in the lineup. Terrific notes of smoky dark fruits, graphite, charcoal, and a hint of violets all emerge from the glass. It’s deep and medium to full-bodied, with ample fruit and richness as well as a great finish. At the early stages of its drink window, it should hit full maturity in another 2-3 years and keep for another decade or more.
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Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
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Bacon fat, smoke, tobacco, grilled herbs and black fruit are some of the many notes that emerge from the 2010 Syrah Cuvée Keltie. Just beginning to show some elements of complexity, the 2010 looks to have a bright future. This is one of the more savory 2010 Syrahs here. A host of dark, ferrous notes inform the chewy finish. The 2010 is a selection of barrels from Obsidian, Richards, Kobler, Windsor Oaks and Walker Vine Hill, fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged for 24 months entirely in neutral oak.
The 2010 Cuvee Keltie, made from 100% stems, neutral oak and indigenous yeast fermentation, smells of aged steaks, beef tartare, bacon fat, crushed rocks and blackberries. Full-bodied with even more intensity, concentration and body than the 2011, this is a massive yet incredibly well-balanced, pure example of Syrah to drink over the next 10-15 years. This is one of the most impressive Rhone Ranger winemaking estates in California. They have also expanded their portfolio to make small quantities of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For me, the real glories of Donelan Family Wines are their Syrahs. As the tasting notes suggest, 2011 turned out well here despite the challenges. However, if you can still track down a bottle or two of the 2009s and 2010s, you are in for something very special. Joe Donelan believes their finest wine, representing the best vineyard parcels and top barrel selections is the Cuvee Keltie, which normally comes from specific sub-sections of such vineyard sources as Obsidian, Richard’s Family, Steiner Ranch and Walker Vine Hill. Kudos to Donelan Family Wines! Tel. (707) 591-0782
One of the highlights among these new releases, the 2010 Syrah Cuvee Keltie impresses for its exotic, beguiling personality. A deep, exotic bouquet melds into blackberry jam, olives, savory herbs, menthol, asphalt and licorice. Firm yet well-integrated tannins support the fruit as the wine continues to open up in the glass. The 2010 is distinguished for its intensity, poise and sheer balance. This is a terrific showing from Donelan. The Cuvee Keltie is a selection of eight barrels across five vineyards. The wine was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in neutral oak.