2008 Walker Vine Hill Syrah
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Amazingly pure and layered, the 2008 Donelan Syrah Walker Vine Hill, 100% Syrah fermented with a little over 50% whole cluster, shows an elegant, seamless nature with plum and cassis fruit, spiced meats, smoke, and dried flowers on the nose. These aromas and flavors carry over to the palate, where the wine shows medium to full body, an exceptional, silky, seamless texture, perfect balance, and a finish that just won’t quite. Elegant, silky and seamless are the buzzwords here. Approachable and delicious now, this should age easily over a decade given the balance and purity.
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Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2008 Donelan Syrah Walker Vine Hill (100% Syrah, 55% whole clusters) possesses slightly lower alcohol (15.6% versus 15.9% in 2007). It represents a hypothetical Euro/California hybrid blend. More concentrated than the 2007, the inky/purple-hued, full-bodied 2008 reveals beautiful blue and black fruits intermixed with hints of graphite, toast, roasted Provencal herbs, meat juices, and pepper. Gorgeous purity, a fabulous texture, and a long, 40+ second, full-bodied finish suggest this terrific wine will drink well for 10-15 years. The troubled departure of Pax Mahle as winemaker from this operation owned primarily by Joe Donelan has resulted in a change of name. Coinciding with the 2008s, this is now Donelan Family Wines. The reviews that follow include the 2007s, the last wines produced under the Pax Cellars moniker, with the 2008s to be released under the Donelan Family Wines. Pax Mahle now has his own up-and-coming winery called Wind Gap. One of the most interesting vineyards Donelan has used is the Obsidian Vineyard in Knight’s Valley. This vineyard’s soil resembles black marble, and the result is an extraordinary wine with characteristics that are nearly impossible to articulate. Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784