CVed 2/10/18 comp of Pax Donelan Syrah. Interestingly the nose more like Donelan with hint of sweetness and prominent dark fruits. But palate is leaner and firmer than new world. — 7 years ago
Very interesting. Only 40 cases produced. A little sweeter than I would have preferred but has a good balance of honeysuckle, oak and lemon tart. — 9 years ago
Wow. Gorgeous well balanced. Bright acidity. Peppery and with a hint of sugar. — 10 years ago
Sushi followed by Pax wine. Now known as Donelan family vineyard. — 11 years ago
Needs to open up 30 minutes or so. Once opened smooth at first with big tannic finish. — 6 years ago
Pretty wine, great bright red fruit front palate, balanced with nice tannins on the back end. — 8 years ago
Solid but very simple and straightforward. — 8 years ago
Perfect summer night. — 10 years ago
First winery on day two in Sonoma was Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa with Meredith. Second red was the Tripp's Block Pinot Noir which comes from the Perli vineyard in the Mendocino Ridge at an elevation of 1550 feet. Aged for 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels and only 246 cases produced.
Medium to deep ruby red. Layered nose with some light baking spices on the attack as well as some red cherries, followed up by cedar and damp forest floor. Medium plus acidity (7/10) and medium bodied. Balanced tannins as well with noted of red cherries, dried strawberries and bramble berries to boot. A bit of cinnamon and cedar as well. Dry with a lingering finish. Drink till 2024.
$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $78.00. — 7 years ago
CVed 5/10/17. Thought it was the 2001. Took an hour for nose to open up. Wild floral notes mixed with spicy gamey smoky bacon. Still tannic and acids on palette with long acidic and leather and biting finish. Needs time but already impressive! CVed again 8/17/17 comp with Cote Rotie Chapoutier and Calif Syrah Cabot Donelan. Same impression. A bit of lingering heat on finish. Ranked it number one. — 8 years ago
About as close to Condrieu as I've seen Cali get. Lots of gardenias and tropicals mixed with a classic peachiness and solid structure. — 9 years ago
Nice, but simple. Butterscotch, minerality and menthol. As well integrated as 6 months ago. Had I another bottle I'd drink up now. — 10 years ago
Peter Montoleone
Full-bodied little bit of smoking spice big dark red fruit — 6 years ago