2010 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard

The 2010 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard comes across as quite delicate in this vintage. Sweet floral notes meld into expressive red berries, spices, mint and anise. The 2010 is relatively gracious and feminine, but all the elements meld together nicely in the glass. The inclusion of 40% whole clusters plus a dash of Viognier give the 2010 an attractive aromatic lift that is most evident on the finish. The 2010 stands out for its texture and overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Joe Donelan's huge passion for the great reds of the Rhone Valley and a deeply held belief in California's best vineyards are the driving forces behind Donelan Family Wines. Donelan and his talented winemaker, Tyler Thomas, focus on marginal, cold-climate sites in Sonoma. The wines are made with a significant amount of whole clusters and see relatively low amounts of new oak. Tel. (707) 591-0782

Sweet red berries, mint, freshly cut roses, spices and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from the 2010 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard. Silky tannins frame the fruit through to the elegant, polished finish, where high-toned floral notes resonate beautifully. The 2010 Kobler impresses for its refined personality. Winemaker Tyler Thomas used 40% whole clusters and added 2% Viognier to the Syrah.

Coming from the Green Valley in the Russian River Valley appellation, the 2010 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard is a blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier, fermented with 40% whole cluster (prior vintages saw as much as 70% or more), that spent 24 months in used French oak. It sports a transparent ruby color to go with a slightly reticent, fruit-driven array of sweet black raspberry and currant styled fruit, hints of wild herbs, peppercorn, and spice cabinet-like qualities on the nose. Medium-bodied, sweetly fruited, and supple, with beautiful purity and building richness, as well as the hallmark elegance of the estate, it opens up wonderfully over the evening and gains additional gamey/northern Rhône-like aromas and flavors. Fairly transparent and open knit, it will drink nicely for 10-12 years.