2010 Walker Vine Hill Syrah
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2010 Syrah Walker Vine Hill is a real knock out. Graphite, gravel, smoke, tar and intense blue/black fruit hit the palate as this explosive, full-bodied wine shows off its considerable personality. Expressive floral notes add lift, precision and nuance. The 2010 is harmonious and wonderfully complete. Another year or two in bottle will only help the 2010 show even better, but the truth is it is already pretty delicious. The 2010 was fermented with 45% whole clusters and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Late season heat spikes took 50% of the crop with them, reducing production dramatically.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A profound effort, the 2010 Syrah Walker Vine Hill (just under 14% natural alcohol) displays blueberry and blackberry liqueur notes intermixed with licorice, camphor and bouquet garni. Full-bodied with stunning richness, a head-turning, flamboyant perfume, and a long finish, it should drink well for at least a decade. 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
Donelan's 2010 Syrah Walker Vine Hill is framed by a core of big, insistent tannins. A blast of blackberries, violets, cloves and white flowers hits the palate, capturing the attention of all the senses. Despite its size, the 2010 is beautifully centered, intense and resonant. This rich, powerful Syrah continues to cover every inch of the palate with seemingly endless layers of dark red and black fruit all the way through to a voluptuous finish supported by plenty of structure. Another year or two in bottle should help the Walker Vine Hill come together more fully. Today, it is drop-dead gorgeous. The 2010 is 100% Syrah vinified with 45% whole cluster and aged mostly in neutral oak, with 35% new wood.
The 2010 Syrah Walker Vine Hill bursts from the glass with notable class and personality. Freshly cut flowers, black cherries, licorice and menthol are some of the many nuances that flow from this beautifully articulated wine. The Walker Vine Hill is all about precision, nuance and refinement. Another year or two in bottle will help some of the tightness soften. I loved it. The Walker Vine Hill was made with 45% whole clusters.