2012 Donelan Cuvée Moriah
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Tasting notes
A step back from the 2013, yet still outstanding, the 2012 Cuvee Moriah (64% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre and 12% Syrah) offers a Pinot Noir like perfume of ripe cherries, blackberries, ground herbs and hints of cured meats. This medium-bodied, supple, elegant effort has a good core of fruit, a savory, meaty style (probably from the higher Mourvèdre content), notable tannin and a good finish. Drink bottles through 2022.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
74% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre, 12% Syrah. Overripe red fruit with rubbery smoke reduction like some old-fashioned Cape reds. (RH)
Donelan's 2012 Cuvée Moriah (Grenache) is pretty and lifted in the glass. Sweet red berries, mint, spices and flowers are all laced together in a delicate, gracious wine with lovely overall balance. Although a bit light and ethereal in style, the 2012 will drink nicely for at least a few years.
Their Rhône Ranger cuvées include five Syrah selections and a Grenache/Mourvèdre/Syrah blend, Cuvée Moriah. The 2012 Cuvée Moriah, which is 64% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre and 12% Syrah, represents 600 cases, tipping the scales at 14.8% alcohol. It was fermented with indigenous yeasts and includes 80% whole clusters, only 17% new oak was used. This is a lovely, sexy wine with lots of kirsch liqueur, lavender, bouquet garni, licorice and pepper. It's medium-bodied, velvety textured, lush and is meant to be a balanced interpretation of a California version of Châteauneuf du Pape. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.