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2016 Donelan Obsidian Vineyard Syrah

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RATINGS

98Jeb Dunnuck

...remarkably smoky, meaty style, it has riveting purity in its blackberry, black cherry, cured meats, pepper, and wood smoke aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it builds incrementally on the palate and has ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a finish that goes on for over a minute.

97Vinous / IWC

Graphite, smoke, bacon fat, grilled herbs and crushed rocks give the 2016 much of its distinctive aromatic and flavor profile. Then again, we are in Knights Valley, where wines frequently show a distinctly Graves-like character.

95The Wine Advocate

...aromas of wild blackberries, violets, fried herbs, dried blueberries, bitter chocolate and granite—a dense, layered, singular nose. Medium to full-bodied, it has a silky texture and fills the mouth with layers of black and blue fruits with a strong mineral vein, framed by firm, dusty tannins and juicy acidity, finishing very long.

94Wine Enthusiast

Sturdy tannin and substantial structure join forces to reinforce this wine's savory density of garrigue, iron and black pepper—all accents of a muscular, grippy palate. Black raspberry and gamy meat persist further, pushing to a lengthy finish of crushed rock and lavender.

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.

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 Obsidian Vineyard Syrah