2010 Cuvee Christine Syrah

The 2010 Syrah Cuvee Christine is striking. Dark blue/black fruits, grilled savory herbs, smoke, licorice, incense and mint form the backbone in the 2010. There are plenty of varietal notes in the glass, but at the same time, the style remains quite forward and fruit-driven. A juicy, forward Syrah, the Cuvee Christine should drink well for the next handful of years. The Cuvee Christine is built on a core of fruit from Windsor Oaks, with the addition of barrels from Obsidian, Kobler and Walker Vine Hill. Winemaker Tyler Thomas used 40% whole clusters here, but they are barely noticeable.

The 2010 Syrah Cuvee Christine is made predominantly from Windsor Oaks, plus barrels from some of Donelan's other sources, including Obsidian, Kobler and Walker Vine Hill. The 2010 impresses for its depth, richness and fine overall balance. Cinnamon, plums, camphor and exotic spices meld together beautifully in this fleshy, richly textured wine. Waves of fruit flow effortlessly to the creamy, generous finish.

I was able to taste three separate samples destined for the 2010 Donelan Syrah Cuvée Christine and all rated between 92 and 94 points. Fermented with 30% whole cluster, the samples were slightly reticent and closed on the nose, with deep black and blue fruits, lavender, meat, and spice characteristics, a medium to full-bodied, textured mouth feel, and solid concentration and depth. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar and then enjoy over the following decade.