Reviews & Ratings

2009 Donelan Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Walker Vine Hill"

Winery: Donelan

Vintage: 2009

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Walker Vine Hill"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 100% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $45

Cases produced: 600

KWG Score: 92.2 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: May 18, 2011

Wine Review: This opaque almost black colored Syrah was one of my favorites. It opens with a mild blackberry bouquet with a hint of licorice and vanilla oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, very well balanced, and smooth. The flavor profile is a delicious blueberry with infused vanilla cream and hint of strawberry. The finish is dry and its fine tannins are pleasantly prolonged and a bit sticky. I would pair this tasty Syrah with a filet mignon with bacon mashed potatoes in the near term. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: 100% Syrah fermented 35% whole cluster and aged 18 months in French barriques (30% new), we enjoy how much this wine has to offer aromatically and texturally. This is an intense wine – though not exhausting - with explosive aromas of cherry, blueberry, maple, and herb encrusted roast game. The mouth feel is firmer than previous vintages but has the characteristic depth and richness typical of Walker Vine Hill: a beautiful year for this outstanding property.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Donelan 2009 Walker Vine Hill Syrah.