DONELAN WINES

    I had the opportunity a few years back to pick up a case of Pax 06 Griffins Lair Syrah at a good discount while Joe Donelan and Pax Mahle were in the process of splitting up.( Joe, to my knowledge was the majority share holder of Pax and Pax Mahle was winemaker and minority shareholder.) Up to this point I hadn't had a lot of  positive experiences with the varietal and spent most of my time and resources on Cabernet and zinfandel. That wine opened my eyes to California syrah and started a new wine journey.
    It turns out Joe is from New England and I was lucky enough to attend a Donelan wine tasting at my local wine shop, www.wineconnextion.com/ to see how the new label stacked up.I wasn't disappointed and have been a buyer ever since.

White

2009 Donelan Chardonnay Nancie

Expressive nose of stone fruits, citrus,and almonds. Medium bright palate of fresh green apple, lemon curd, minerals and floral notes.Rich and mouth coating without being heavy long clean finish. 100% malo and neutral French oak.

2010 Donelan Chardonnay Nancie

 Expressive nose of stone fruits, citrus, nuts and chalk. Medium body, good acidity, Pineapple, lemon curd, hazelnut and honeysuckle. Deep and clean long finish

 

2008 Donelan Venus

 Expressive nose of tropical fruit, white flowers and spice. Bright body of pineapple cake, white peach, floral and spice notes. Medium plus finish.

2009 Donelan Venus

 Expressive nose of white peach,honeysuckle and light spice. Medium, well balanced palate of tropical fruits, honeysuckle and spice. Medium plus refreshing finish.

 Red

2008 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard

 Expressive nose of blackberry, smokey oak, and black pepper. medium plus body blackberry, dark cherry, tobacco and pepper steak. medium plus tannic finish

 

2009 Donelan Syrah Kobler Family Vineyard

 Expressive nose of blackberry, white pepper, floral notes and smoked meat. Medium plus body of black raspberry, blackberry, pepper, and herbs. Long savory finish.

 

2008 Donelan Syrah Walker Vine Hill

 Expressive nose of black and blue fruits, olives and pepper. Medium plus body of blackberry pie, blueberry, smokey herbs and pepper. Long smooth finish.

 

2009 Donelan Syrah Walker Vine Hill

Expressive complex nose of black and blue fruits, roasted meat, herbs and black pepper. Medium plus lush body of blueberries, grilled pepper stek, cherry,and herbs. Great balance and mouth feel on a long medium tannic finish. Easily the best of the tasting IMHO.

2009 Donelan Syrah Cuvée Christine

 Moderate plus savory nose os smoked meat, pepper and black currants. medium plus fleshy body of pork fat, blackberry, currant, herbs and earth. Long drying finish.

 

2009 Donelan Cuvée Moriah

 Moderate plus nose of red cherry, violets, and pepper. Light plus body with good acidity of raspberry, kirsch, pepper and some wood notes and dried herbs. Medium plus smooth finish.