2013 Donelan Family Cuvee Moriah
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Cuvee Moriah is 87% Grenache and 13% Syrah that’s all from the Dry Stack Vineyard in the Bennett Valley. It has a gorgeous (as well as complex) bouquet of ripe cherries, cranberry, dried flowers and incense. This carries to an ethereally textured, elegant Grenache that that has sweet fruit, medium-bodied richness and a great finish. It’s not going to make old bones, but it’s going to be impossible to resist over the coming 4-5 years. This may be my favorite vintage of this cuvee to date.
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Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Donelan has always been one of the top practitioners of Rhône Ranger-style wines and continues to make a bevy of these, primarily from Syrah, but Grenache also enters the picture, especially with the 2013 Cuvée Moriah, a blend of 87% Grenache and 13% Syrah. They use about 45% whole clusters, and the Grenache emerges from a vineyard that I absolutely adore for its Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek’s Dry Stack Vineyard. A beautiful dark ruby color as well as fragrant notes of lavender, kirsch and strawberry soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, sexy and irresistible wine. It is juicy, supple, and best drunk over the next 4-5 years.
The 2013 Cuvée Moriah is deep, intense and beautifully layered throughout. The aromatics alone are captivating. Dried rose petal, punchy red berries, exotic spices, menthol and star anise give the Moriah much of its aromatic intrigue. Light on its feet yet deeply expressive, the 2013 is another knock-out from Donelan. This is a distinctly Pinot-leaning Rhône blend with tons of personality. (AG)