WCC Donelan Family Wines with Joe Donelan

Yono's Restaurant, Albany, NY
Tasted Thursday, May 29, 2014 by kenv with 421 views

Introduction

A couple members of my Albany group have been buying Joe Donelan's wines since he separated from Pax. I was cutting back on my wine buying, and it felt a little like when a married couple you like gets a divorce and it is easier to avoid them both. Anyway, the guys in my group arranged with Joe to come up to our area and taste us on his recent releases. Yono's was chosen as the venue and it turned out to be a great choice for these generally subtle and complex wines.

The Chardonnay was opened at 4:30 and the last 2 Syrahs (Obsidian & Richards) were decanted at that time and served from the decanters. The rest of the wines were opened at 6:15. All the wines were served at room temperature. Joe generously opened 3 bottles of each wine. Dinner began around 7:30 and ended around 10pm.

Before the first course, we were served an Amuse Bouche of R&G Cheesemakers chèvre, crispy speck, lemon zest, parsley, as well as a Stuffed Zucchini Flower. Dominick added the latter just because they came in fresh today. R&G Cheesemakers are local in Cohoes, NY.

For more details and pictures:
http://www.finewinegeek.com/tn/2014-05-29_WCC_Donelan_Yonos/

Flight 1 - Flight 1: Whites (2 Notes)

Hand Rolled Peekytoe Crab Rangoon with Minted Yuzu Old Chatham Yogurt, Cucumber, and Kaffir Lime Gremolata.

  • 2012 Donelan Chardonnay Nancie 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    [Opened at 4:30 and served at room temperature around 7:30.] Lovely fragrance of fresh flowers and lemon custard. Vivid in the mouth. Tart and appealing. Goes perfectly with the Crab Rangoon. More in the vein of a crisp Chablis than most California Chardonnays.

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  • 2012 Donelan Vénus 93 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    [2.5% Viognier; opened at 6:15 and served at room temperature around 7:30.] Gorgeous nose of tangerine custard and some subtle spices. Clean, thick, fresh, with a long flavorful clean finish. Again, the Crab Rangoon is a great match.

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Flight 2 - Flight 2: Pinot Noir (1 Note)

Pan Seared Maple Leaf Farm's Duck Breast with Red Wine, Shallot & Cherry Reduction, Cauliflower Cous Cous, and Pea Tendrils.

Flight 3 - Flight 3: Syrah 1 (2 Notes)

Roasted Pennsylvania Pork Tenderloin with Thyme Jus, Potato Puree, and Red Ribbon Sorrel.

  • 2011 Donelan Syrah Cuvée Christine 89 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    [Opened at 6:15 and served around 8:45.] Big gummy nose. Sweet fruit. Not that different from the Pinot to me. A little more richness and flavor. At least one person told me this was his red wine of the night. Different strokes . . .

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  • 2011 Donelan Syrah Walker Vine Hill 95 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    [Opened at 6:15 and served around 8:45.] Muted nose at this stage. Sweet, penetrating, very long finish. Stunning in it's length and complexity. Medium weight, but rich in flavor of dark fruits and spice. Excellent.

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Flight 4 - Flight 4: Syrah 2 (2 Notes)

Char Grilled Black Angus Beef with Roasted Chef's Garden Beets and Sauce Bordelaise.

  • 2011 Donelan Syrah Obsidian Vineyard 95 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

    [Decanted at 4:30 and served from the decanter at around 9:15.] Complex nose of black fruit and stones. Thick rich harmonious. Serious stuff. A marvelous wine that comes in waves and has a bright future. 94-96 points.

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  • 2011 Donelan Syrah Richards Family Vineyard 97 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    [Decanted at 4:30 and served from the decanter at around 9:15.] Distinctive lavender nose is almost overpoweringly floral like no Syrah I've ever had. I hope that will soften a bit with time since it almost too much of a good thing. In the mouth, the wine is simply stunning. It is rich and powerful and at the same time light on its feet and graceful. Terrific length, this is an amazing and unique wine.

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Closing

This was a great evening of wine, food, and fun. The Rhone varietal wines from Donelan Family Wines really are in the top echelon of European-influenced California wines.

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