A TASTING OF DONELAN WINES - My home (12/13/2013)
Tripp Donelan made the trek to Cleveland. I guess he missed 10 degree temperatures as he picked one of the coldest December days in memory. Luckily about 40 of us gathered to make it warm inside. The wines were pop and poured and served non-blind. Everyone brought a wide variety of vegetarian pot luck. This was basically a fun evening and a chance to sample the lineup of Donelan wines in a relaxed and fun environment. It was great to see Tripp and a good time was had by all.
-
2012 Donelan Venus - USA, California, Sonoma County
Wow, this is maybe the best Cal Rhone white I have had. 93% Roussanne, 7% Viognier. yellow/gold/green in color. The nose is great with clementine’s leading the way. Also some tropical fruit notes. Nothing waxy or bitter here. Crisp and clean on the palate. Great bite. Crisp fruit. Delicious. This really surprised me. I wonder how it will age? (94 pts.) -
2012 Donelan Chardonnay Nancie - USA, California, Sonoma County
This was ok, but over shadowed by the Venus. Others may have liked it more. Some lemons on the nose. More lemon curd on the palate. I would have preferred more delineation. A solid wine, but lacks precision or complexity for my tastes that would take it to the next level. Of course, I am not a huge Chard fan in general so ymmv. (89 pts.) -
2011 Donelan Pinot Noir Two Brothers - USA, California, North Coast
I found this interesting. I read AG’s review and it did not resemble anything like the wine I tried. He used words like super-ripe and candied. I sure didn’t get that. Almost the opposite. The nose has rhubarb, cranberries and tart cherries. On the palate, it matches with a very slight celery note. Light and feminine, not earthy. Has a nice complexity to it. Very pretty and probably needs a couple of years to further develop. More than a few people voted it as their WOTN. (90 pts.) -
2010 Donelan Cuvée Moriah - USA, California, Sonoma County
Always one of my favorites in their line-up. Probably the best value as well. This is a GSM blend. A nose of raspberries, strawberries, black raspberries with some black licorice. A soft smooth and complex palate. Good fruit. Needs a few years before maturity. In my experience these age quite well and I think this will too. (92 pts.) -
2010 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley
I believe this had a good amount of Viognier in it. Purple in color. The nose is quite nice with black raspberries, black pepper, some violets and some smoke. More of a cool climate style and took some time and coaxing. I think this needs 3 to 5 years in the cellar to show its stuff and even longer. Seems to have the stuffing though. While not a bruiser, there is a strong personality here. Nice streak of acidity. (93 pts.) -
2009 Donelan Syrah Cuvée Keltie - USA, California, North Coast
Most people had this as their WOTN. Maybe it was the extra year, but this is a special wine. Purple in color. The nose is really nice. Clearly from California, but has that Northern Rhone style; black raspberries, violets, minerals, and some bacon fat on the nose. Lean but powerful on the palate. Layered but tight. Long finish. This needs more time, but it is complex and delicious. (95 pts.) -
2010 Donelan Syrah Obsidian Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley
This is really good, but it is very tight right now. It is not inexpensive, so how well it will develop is a great question. I would have liked to taste it on release. My guess is it improves a few more points, but time will tell. Purple in color. Crushed rocks, black pepper, black raspberries and some gamey qualities on the nose. Tightly layered on the palate. Needs 5 years minimum. (93 pts.)
Hope to do something like this again. Tripp, let us know when you will be out this way again. Maybe a bit warmer next time though.
Posted from CellarTracker