2012 Donelan "Cuvee Christine" Sonoma County Syrah
SKU #1262117
93 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Syrahs have always been the benchmark wines from Donelan, since the early days when he was using winemaker Pax Mahle. The 2012 Syrah Cuvee Christine, which is fermented with a 30% whole clusters and aged in 80% neutral oak, comes from four separate vineyards in the Russian River Valley at Sonoma Mountain. This is 100% Syrah, aged 20 months in 33% new French oak and represents nearly 900 cases of wine. Deep purple in color with lots of roast beef, blackberry, bouquet garni, licorice and charcuterie spices, the wine is rich, beautifully pure, full-bodied and showing well already, which is of course a hallmark of 2012. It should drink well for at least a decade or more. (RP)
(12/2014)
91 points
Vinous
The 2012 Syrah Cuvée Christine is supple, open and tasty. Dark blue and purplish-toned fruits, cloves, lavender, licorice and violets flesh out in a forward, juicy Syrah with plenty of near-term appeal. Sweet floral and spice notes add perfume on the silky, expressive finish. (AG)
(1/2015)
Wine Spectator
Firm and dense, with a tight core of dark berry, licorice, dried herb and sage. Black tea—laced tannins grip and cling. (Web Only - 2015)