2016 Donelan Syrah Obsidian Vineyard
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There are just over 600 cases of the 2016 Syrah Obsidian Estate, an incredibly thrilling, satisfying Syrah that delivers just about everything you could want from this variety. Reminding me of a classic Côte Rôtie (from the northern portion of the appellation) with its remarkably smoky, meaty style, it has riveting purity in its blackberry, black cherry, cured meats, pepper, and wood smoke aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it builds incrementally on the palate and has ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a finish that goes on for over a minute. This magical Sonoma Syrah will benefit from a year or two in bottle and shine for 10-15 years.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2016 Syrah Obsidian Estate is once again one of the most complex, multifaceted wines in this range. Graphite, smoke, bacon fat, grilled herbs and crushed rocks give the 2016 much of its distinctive aromatic and flavor profile. Then again, we are in Knights Valley, where wines frequently show a distinctly Graves-like character. The Obsidian is often fiercely tannic, and while the 2016 is certainly not lacking in structure, it is also quite a bit more polished at this stage than is often the case, which I imagine is attributable to the vintage. Sadly, Obsidian burned during the October 2017 fires, so the 2016 will be their last vintage until the vineyard is back in production.
Syrah from the Obsidian vineyard was harvested about ten days before the fires struck in 2017, so this is the second-to-last vintage of this wine. Yields in 2016 were about one ton per acre. The 2016 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is made from 100% Syrah aged in 40% new oak for 22 months. Deep ruby-purple in color, it features aromas of wild blackberries, violets, fried herbs, dried blueberries, bitter chocolate and granite—a dense, layered, singular nose. Medium to full-bodied, it has a silky texture and fills the mouth with layers of black and blue fruits with a strong mineral vein, framed by firm, dusty tannins and juicy acidity, finishing very long. There are lots of latent layers here. Give this time in bottle! 670 cases produced.