2009 Donelan Syrah Richard's Family Vineyard
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A wine I pulled from my cellar (I rated it 98 points on release), the 2009 Syrah Richard’s Family Vineyard is unquestionably one of the greatest Syrahs I’ve ever tasted - from anywhere. Still youthfully purple in color, it offers a layered, nuanced bouquet that develops with time in the glass; ripe black fruits, dried flowers, cured meats, lavender and pepper and flow to a seamless, concentrated, perfectly balanced Syrah that has sweet tannin, a great mid-palate and a finish that won’t quit. This is an utter tour de force in cool climate Syrah from one of California’s best. Bravo!
Punteggi della critica
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
Altre recensioni e punteggi
Donelan's 2009 Syrah Richards Family Vineyard has turned out beautifully. Round, supple and voluptuous, the 2009 impresses for its overall balance. Dark blue and purple stone fruit, menthol, spice and licorice flesh out in a dark, hugely appealing wine. A severe case of shatter lowered yields dramatically and resulted in an especially powerful Syrah. At the same time, the 2009 is simply impeccable in its balance.
A perfect wine, the 2009 Syrah Richard’s Family Vineyard is out of this world. About 50% new oak was used in its upbringing, and it was bottled after two years in barrel as opposed to the 36 months of the 2011. Fifty percent whole clusters were used. A stunning bouquet of barbecue smoke, steak tartare, creme de cassis, blackberries, truffle and licorice soars from the glass of this full-bodied wine. Boasting great intensity, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and an incredible perfume, this sensational North Coast Syrah should continue to drink beautifully for 10-15+ 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
The 2009 Syrah Richards' Vineyard possesses striking richness and depth. It is a fascinating wine to taste next to the Cuvee Keltie. Black fruit, menthol, graphite, savory herbs, tar, and licorice meld together in this pliant, deeply expressive Syrah. Sweet floral and spice notes wrap around the exotic, intriguing finish. The Richard's was made with 100% whole clusters and was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. The higher percentage of new barrels here gives the wine considerable richness and volume. All of the elements are very nicely balanced.