2009 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard
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The lightest and most northern Rhône like in the lineup, the 2009 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard comes from the cooler terroir and is a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% co-fermented Viognier that's all fermented with 70% whole cluster. Aged for 18 months in older barrique and puncheon, the wine sports a semi-opaque ruby color as well as elegant, classy aromas of red berry fruit, smoked meat, cracked pepper, and plenty of crunchy mineral like nuances on the nose. These characteristics carry over on the palate where the wine is medium-bodied and deftly balanced, possessing a feminine, focused personality to go with a light, silky texture, and notable structure and firmness on the long finish. This beauty continued to gain weight and depth over the evening and while I certainly enjoy it now given the balance, I think this will be better in 2-4 years, and have a decade or longer of prime drinking. Readers who like the perfume and focus of a northern Rhône Syrah, but enjoy Cali fruit, need to try this.
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The 2009 Syrah Kobler Vineyard comes from the cool climate of the Green Valley, which borders the Sonoma Coast appellation. This Cote Rotie-inspired Syrah is co-fermented with 5-10% Viognier. The 2009 is a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier with 70% stems utilized. The alcohol of 13.8% is relatively modest by Syrah standards. An exotic perfume of lychee nuts, white peaches, black cherries, black currants and subtle oak emerges from the glass of this delicate, medium-bodied, concentrated red wine. It possesses terrific fruit as well as an elegance and freshness that are French-like. Enjoy it over the next decade. (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