Donelan

Richards Family Vineyard Syrah

9.36 ratings
9.63 pro ratings
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Syrah
Lamb
Top Notes For
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.5

First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. The next Rhone varietal red was the Richards Family Vineyard Syrah. Made up of 100% Syrah from the Richard Family Vineyard. This bottling is around 70-100% whole cluster fermented then aged for 28 months in 33% new French oak. Only 466 cases produced.

Dark purplish ruby red. Nice layers on the nose with some savory characteristics, dark cocoa, herbs, leather, purple flowers and some spices. Medium plus to heavy tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Dry undertones on the palate with plush dark berries, crushed dark gravel and sweet spices. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2031.

$$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $150.00.

First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. The next Rhone varietal red was the Richards Family Vineyard Syrah. Made up of 100% Syrah from the Richard Family Vineyard. This bottling is around 70-100% whole cluster fermented then aged for 28 months in 33% new French oak. Only 466 cases produced.

Dark purplish ruby red. Nice layers on the nose with some savory characteristics, dark cocoa, herbs, leather, purple flowers and some spices. Medium plus to heavy tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Dry undertones on the palate with plush dark berries, crushed dark gravel and sweet spices. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2031.

$$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $150.00.

Jun 3rd, 2018
Bryce Wiatrak

Another killer Syrah from Donelan - leather, tar, pine sap, sweat, and sanguine character. Juicy, palate coating, I don’t understand why more people aren’t obsessed with what this grape can do in California.

Another killer Syrah from Donelan - leather, tar, pine sap, sweat, and sanguine character. Juicy, palate coating, I don’t understand why more people aren’t obsessed with what this grape can do in California.

May 6th, 2018
Tom Wildenhaus

The first Syrah I have had that has the meaty aroma you hear about. But not for me. This wine is to jammy, syrupy for me. It became more agreeable after open 2 hours but not enough for me to buy again.

The first Syrah I have had that has the meaty aroma you hear about. But not for me. This wine is to jammy, syrupy for me. It became more agreeable after open 2 hours but not enough for me to buy again.

Jun 7th, 2020
Peter Montoleone

Awesome all that needs to be said

Awesome all that needs to be said

Nov 8th, 2018
Drew Dodson

Drew had this 7 years ago

Drew had this 7 years ago

May 3rd, 2017
David Lincoln

David had this 5 years ago

David had this 5 years ago

Nov 14th, 2018