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2016 Donelan Syrah Grande

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

February 4, 2024 - $46

Estimate

RATINGS

98Jeb Dunnuck

...kaleidoscope-like array of black raspberries, mulberries, licorice, roasted herbs, pepper, and chocolate, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, expansive texture, gorgeous tannins, and a heck of a lengthy finish.

95Vinous / IWC

...wonderfully polished right out of the gate. Black cherry, tobacco, spice, menthol, licorice and new leather... Bright saline notes underpin it all, adding notable freshness and vibrancy. The 2016 is beautifully done from start to finish.

95Wine Enthusiast

Pencil shavings, iron, crushed rock and lavender provide an earthy and savory opening to this bold, burly and impressive wine, bursting in black fruit. The oak is supportive and toasted, adding seasonings of white pepper, nutmeg and a touch of coffee, boosting an already heady experience of flavor and texture.

90The Wine Advocate

...notes of tar and mint leaves over blackcurrant fruit with touches of coffee, black soil and spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied with dense, earthy fruits and a firm frame, leaving me wishing for more lift and freshness on the dense finish.

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, Sonoma County

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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

2016 Donelan Syrah Grande