2008 Donelan Richards Family Vineyard Syrah

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.

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

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.