Sign In

2012 Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah

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

2 available
Bid *
Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

98Jeb Dunnuck

...seriously good, rich, blockbuster-styled...rich, concentrated Syrah that offers gorgeous blackberry, smoked earth, pepper and spring flower aromas and flavors. It has boatloads of ripe tannin, a sexy texture, and Rockstar purity...

94Wine Enthusiast

...mouthfilling black currant, fine-grain leather and white pepper. An acidic lift on the finish balances the wine's power.

93Robert M. Parker Jr.

...lots of roast beef, blackberry, bouquet garni, licorice and charcuterie spices...rich, beautifully pure, full-bodied...

91Vinous / IWC

...supple, open and tasty. Dark blue and purplish-toned fruits, cloves, lavender, licorice and violets... Sweet floral and spice notes add perfume on the silky, expressive finish.

17Jancis Robinson

Meaty and fragrant – violets. Fibrous tannin. Gorgeously aromatic – very convincing.

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

2012 Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah