2009 Walker Vine Hill Syrah
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Flirting with perfection is the opaque black/purple-colored 2009 Syrah Walker Vine Hill. Reminiscent of some of the perfect Syrahs from Sine Qua Non, it exhibits a complex, meaty, majestic perfume, lots of blackberry, licorice and incense characteristics, a super-rich, full-bodied mouthfeel that is neither heavy nor overbearing, the fruit is perfectly ripe without going over the edge. What a great wine! It should continue to drink well for another 10+ years. This is one of the most impressive Rhone Ranger winemaking estates in California. They have also expanded their portfolio to make small quantities of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For me, the real glories of Donelan Family Wines are their Syrahs. As the tasting notes suggest, 2011 turned out well here despite the challenges. However, if you can still track down a bottle or two of the 2009s and 2010s, you are in for something very special. Joe Donelan believes their finest wine, representing the best vineyard parcels and top barrel selections is the Cuvee Keltie, which normally comes from specific sub-sections of such vineyard sources as Obsidian, Richard’s Family, Steiner Ranch and Walker Vine Hill. Kudos to Donelan Family Wines! Tel. (707) 591-0782
Punteggi della critica
Punteggio medio
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
Altre recensioni e punteggi
The 2009 Donelan Syrah Walker Vine Hill is 100% Syrah that's fermented with 35% whole cluster and aged 18 months in 30% new French oak. Quite ripe and upfront on the nose, with loads of blackberry, cassis, wild herbs, flowers, and smoked meat characteristics, the wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate and richly textured, showing a fleshy, full mid-palate, solid balance, and a finish that dishes out loads of fruit that partially conceals a substantial amount of ripe, polished tannin. While there's real ripeness and weight to the texture, this still maintains an overall sense of balance and elegance. It also held up beautifully to air, showing well even on the third day after opening. While there's plenty of fruit here, as well as some upfront appeal, this will benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and have at least 10-12 years of prime time drinking.