2017 Donelan Cuvée Christine
Donelan refer to Cuvee Christine as their ‘gateway drug to syrah.’ A careful blend of the best parcels from across Sonoma, this is a head wine with flavours that run the full gambit, encompassing fruit, spice and savoury notes. There’s something for everyone here. This wine’s quality to price ratio is unmatched. On the nose there are mulberries, blood orange, white flower and fresh coffee grinds. On the palate it possesses not only great length, but also great breadth, with round, supple tannins and a long, 45 second plus, finish. The whole cluster fermentation gives it backbone without being too firm.
This 100% Syrah blend is an intense assemblage of some of our favorite Syrah vineyards in Sonoma County. The usual suspect vineyards are present in this blend; Kobler, Lawer, Steiner and Cardiac Hill. We refer to the Cuvee Christine as our gateway drug to Syrah. It runs the full gambit, has fruit, spice and savory. There’s something for everyone here. The Cuvee Christine possesses not only great length, but great breadth on the palate. This wine’s quality to price ratio is unmatched.
2018 Donelan Nancie Chardonnay
Notes of apple, orange blossom, and quince paste are met with baking spice and balanced by singing acidity. Unique and engaging with a lasting finish.
Another bright, almost racy Chardonnay from this team, the 2018 Chardonnay Nancie reveals a beautiful chalky, mineral-laced lemon and honeysuckle-driven perfume that carries to a medium-bodied, beautifully balanced Chardonnay with racy acidity. It has the class to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and drink nicely for over a decade.
Suggested Pairing: Sea Scallops, Lobster Mac n Cheese