- 2010 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley (4/24/2025)
Bought a 6-pack of these on WineBid 10 years ago for a measly $20 a bottle. It’s been one of the better values I’ve ever gotten there. Alas my last bottle.
The color is spot on with no degradation whatsoever. The nose boasts black olive, lavender, roasted meat and leather. Super seamless texture that just glides across the palate exhibiting tangy dark red fruit, iron, blood a a hint of iodine with impeccable balance. The iron note pulls through finish as the fruit lingers framed by chewy chalky tannins. This is fabulous. If stored properly expect an easy 2030 drinking window extension, likely longer.
Posted from CellarTracker
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What was the name of the winery before Donelan? Hear so much good stuff about these wines yet never had one. Sounds great!
I believe Tyler Thomas may have been the winemaker about that time . . .
Screaming deal for that bottle. A much maligned vintage that has held up pretty well. Yes I believe Tyler was the winemaker during that time.
Yes he was. 2010 was his first vintage with Donelan if I remember correctly.
He came over from HdV - and has been in SBC for a decade now, making the wines for Starlane and Dierberg.
Cheers
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Donelan makes some excellent wines. I just had the 2012 Kobler in a blind tasting with a 2012 Clusel Roch Grand Places and the Donelan was far superior. It had a similar profile as you describe in the 2010
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Donelan started in 2010 - Pax started in 2000 and is still going… just saying…
~Pax
Brian - thanks for the in depth review on the 2010 Kobler Syrah. That vintage was challenging due to late rains, where we hand harvested all vineyards and refused a lot of spoiled grapes. It provided an ‘old world’ expression that was well made and stands the test of time. Tyler was the winemaker and 2008 was the first vintage of Donelan, technically we had the 2007 Richards Syrah (spent almost 3yrs in barrel) and it was our second 100pt wine. We have since accumulated 5 or 6 perfect scores….and counting.
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