Recommendation: Not Recommended.
Winery/Producer: Donelan Family Wines; Santa Rosa, California.
Grape Variety: Syrah
Geographic Region, Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2011
Price: $46.00 (with a $8.00 discount)
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Store; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: Parmesan chicken, garlic and olive oil pasta and salad with Greek dressing.
Tasting:
He said: Opened 30 minutes before drinking. Clear ruby color. Light plum aromas. Fruity taste with considerable acidity and a medium-length finish. For me, quite different from the Donelan Walker Vine Hill Russian River Valley Syrah we had the previous night. This didn’t have the sweet tannins or the juicy fruit, but there was an undertone of harshness all the way through the finish. In the end this was very food-friendly, appeared to have less California heritage and I liked it better, but at this price would not buy it again.
She said: I would like to say that I noticed a big difference between this Syrah and the Donelan Walker Vine Hill Russian River Valley Syrah we had the previous night, but I didn’t. This Cuvee Christine has a lovely red berry bouquet and lots of good flavor with medium body and soft tannins. The difference…Cuvee Christine is less sweet but not as smooth. Was it good with the dinner? Yes. Would the Walker Vine Hill Russian River Valley Syrah have been better? Probably not for me. A typical full bodied, flavorful California wine Cuvee Christine is very tasty but pricey at $54. At that price point I would look around and try some wines from Europe that have more nuances of flavor.
Comments:
Alcohol: 13.9%