Reviews & Ratings

2011 Donelan Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Cuvee Christine"

Winery: Donelan

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Cuvee Christine"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 100% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sonoma County

State or country: CA

Price: $45

Cases produced: 860

KWG Score: 89.3 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: March 28, 2014

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored Syrah opens with a mild black currant like bouquet with a hint of boysenberry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely balanced, smooth and shows nice finesse. The flavor profile is a tasty gentle mild black cherry with hints of cola, mild minerality, blueberry, and chocolate milk. The finish is dry and fades away nicely. This wine is a nice quaffer and is very easy to enjoy. I would enjoy a glass or two with Theresa's homemade meatloaf. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2011 Cuvee Christine is a glimpse into our world of Sonoma County Syrah, encompassing the vast spectrum of flavors available to the region. Made of 100% Syrah from four vineyard sites, this Christine seems like the most elegant version of this wine yet – especially after an unprecedented 22 months in barrel. The 2011 offers wafts of simmering cranberry sauce, blackberry-stained hands, and pot-de-creme. The mouthfeel is centered around the mid-palate, which provides stability from the beginning through to the finish, with flavors of charred steak and espresso beans.

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