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2014 Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah

Light label condition issue

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine storage unit; Purchased at retail

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

94Jeb Dunnuck

...terrific blend of classic Sonoma Syrah fruit mixed with plenty of gamy, savory, green olive, and Northern Rhône-like nuances. Picking up even some meat, cured ham, and exotic notes with time in the glass, it's medium to full-bodied, has a supple, seamless texture, beautiful balance, and integrated, fine-grained tannins that emerge on the finish...

93The Wine Advocate

...great core of black and blue fruits—wild blueberries, black cherries and cassis—with touches of Mediterranean herbs, roses, tar and black earth. Medium-bodied with an elegantly fruity yet intensely flavored palate, it has a harmonious frame of rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a perfumed lift.

93Vinous / IWC

...rich, powerful and intense...it delivers that intensity in a relatively medium-bodied style. Deeply spiced, floral and savory...super-expressive...

PRODUCER

Donelan

Donelan is the former Pax Wine Cellars of Sonoma, California, but with a new winemaker and point of view. It is owned by investor and wine connoisseur Joe Donelan, who previously owned the majority interest in Pax Wine Cellars with Pax Mahle, who was Pax's winemaker. Mahle left Pax Winery in 2008 after he and Donelan had a falling out and became involved in a lawsuit. Donelan makes Syrah, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a Rhone-style blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. The winemaker at Donelan is Tyler Thomas. Robert M. Parker Jr. has complimented Donelan's "exceptionally elegant portfoilio" of wines.

REGION

United States, California, North Coast

North Coast AVA includes California’s most prestigious sub-appellations and vineyards. The three million acre area includes vineyards in six counties north of San Francisco and nearly 50 sub-appellations. The Napa Valley and Sonoma County AVAs are just two of the renowned sub-appellations included in the North Coast designation, which also includes the AVAs Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Stag’s Leap and Rutherford, which are all among the most acclaimed wine producing districts in California. The North Coast AVA designation is generally used for wines made by blending grapes grown in several counties or AVAs. The appellation includes part of the counties of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Marin, Solano and Lake.

TYPE

Red Wine, Syrah (Shiraz)

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.

VINTAGE

2014 Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah