2007 Richards Family Vineyard Syrah
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Flirting with perfection, the 2007 Syrah Richard’s Vineyard (100% Syrah and 100% whole clusters aged 31 months in French barrels of which 75% are new) is a staggering effort. This Cote Rotie-like (it is no surprise that one of proprietor Joe Donelan’s favorite wines is Rene Rostaing’s Cote Rotie Cote Blonde) effort displays remarkable floral/lavender characteristics (these rocky soils were once used for a lavender farm) along with a dense purple color and an awesome bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries and white chocolate. It hits the palate with a crescendo of intense, ripe, concentrated black fruits interwoven with barrique, charcoal and burning ember-like flavors. With staggering quality and full body as well as modest alcohol (14.2%) for a wine of such great ripeness, this riveting 2007 Syrah should provide immense pleasure over the next 15+ years. Don’t miss it! (Not yet released) This is a fascinating group of wines from extremely cool climate Sonoma sites made by proprietor Joe Donelan and his winemaker, Tyler Thomas. They have produced an exceptionally elegant portfolio of 2009s that is true to the character of this cooler than normal vintage. This winery, which was originally known as Pax Cellars, has always produced remarkable Syrahs and the early vintages are aging fabulously well. Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784
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Exotic and a touch wild, the 2007 Donelan Syrah Richards Family Vineyard, 100% syrah fermented with 100% whole cluster, comes from limestone and rocky soils of the Schultz Valley in Sonoma County. The wine shows extraordinary complexity with smoked plum and blackberry fruit, leather, pepper, hung game, lavender, and fragrant floral and underbrush aromas on the nose. This improves over three days and is never short of stunning on the nose. Medium to full bodied on the palate with an elegant, layered profile, a smooth texture, fantastic concentration, and a focused, very long finish, this awesome Syrah should ideally be left alone for 3 to 5 years, at which point, it should drink beautifully for the following 15 or more years. One of the most exciting wines coming out of California, and a testament to the heights Syrah can hit!