2009 Cuvee Christine Syrah
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Showing the supple, elegant side to Syrah, the 2009 Donelan Syrah Cuvée Christine (100% Syrah) is made with 40% whole cluster and aged for 14 months in French oak (a portion of which is new.) It exhibits a beautifully pure, classy bouquet of sweet blackberry and crème de cassis, crushed flowers, and underbrush, with a touch of smoked meat and leather creeping in with air. On the palate, the wine is more suave and supple than powerful and deep, possessing a medium bodied, impeccably balanced feel, sweet fruit, beautifully integrated acidity, and plenty of length on the finish. This beauty will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and have a decade of solid drinking.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Syrah Cuvee Christine (40% whole clusters aged 14 months in French barrels; 14.4% alcohol) is named after Joe Donelan’s wife. Another French-styled offering, it reminds me of a high-class St.-Joseph. Attractive notes of black currants, bacon fat, Provencal herbs, licorice and smoke are found in this elegant, fleshy, rich wine. With good acidity, sweet tannin and burgeoning complexity, it should drink well for a decade or more. (Not yet released) This is a fascinating group of wines from extremely cool climate Sonoma sites made by proprietor Joe Donelan and his winemaker, Tyler Thomas. They have produced an exceptionally elegant portfolio of 2009s that is true to the character of this cooler than normal vintage. This winery, which was originally known as Pax Cellars, has always produced remarkable Syrahs and the early vintages are aging fabulously well. Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784