Reviews & Ratings

2009 Donelan Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Kobler Family Vineyard"

Winery: Donelan

Vintage: 2009

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Kobler Family Vineyard"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 90% Syrah & 10% Viognier

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Green Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $45

Cases produced: 330

KWG Score: 93.6 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: May 20, 2011

Wine Review: This opaque and dark ruby colored Syrah from Donelan continues its string of Very Good offerings. It opens with a mild smoky oak bouquet with a hint of black cherry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, very well balanced, refined and smooth. The flavor profile is a soft mineral infused gentle blackberry with notes of black pepper and a hint of old oak. The finish is rather dry and its moderate dusty tannins are sticky and show very nice length. This European styled Syrah from California would pair well with beef bourguignon. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2009 is a co-fermentation of 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier. It will be aged 18 months in French oak (0% new) prior to bottling. The aromas in this vintage are riddled with classic black and white pepper, black berry, and cured meats. Though lower in alcohol than 2008, this vintage appears to be weightier and richer though still within the confines of freshness we expect from this northern Rhone-like site. While aromatically more available than many previous vintages at this young stage, we hope it will prove to be a very age-worthy version of Kobler Family Vineyard wine.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Donelan 2009 Kobler Syrah.