2012 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard

The 2012 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard is one of the deeper, darker wines in the range. Tar, graphite, smoke and dark spices confer an element of gravitas. The flavors are bold and powerful throughout, with tons of inky blue and black fruit overtones. Round and supple through to the finish, the 2012 Kobler offers outstanding balance and plenty of personality. In this vintage, the Kobler includes 10% Viognier.

Another cool-climate Syrah from the Green Valley in Russian River is the 2012 Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard. This is cofermented with 10% Viognier and definitely has a Chinese black tea character. It came in at 13.5% alcohol and 9% new oak was used in the aging, which took place over 20 months. The wine comes across like a Guigal single-vineyard Côte-Rôtie, with notes of lychee nuts, honeysuckle, apricot, marmalade intermixed with cassis, kirsch and blacker fruits. Velvety textured, opulent and voluptuous, this full-bodied, lush, sexy style Syrah should drink beautifully for another decade or more.