2008 Donelan Family Wines Richard's Family Vineyard Syrah

From the Winery - The 2008 is no exception. The grapes, gently foot tread, were fermented 100% whole cluster, and provided extended time on the skins. The wine will be aged 31 months before bottling. Aromatically the 2008 challenges one’s ability to conjure up enough adjectives to do it justice. It seems to have a combination of flavors that on the surface seem incongruent – like citrus peel and leather – but in the end are incredibly intoxicating. Whatever your chosen descriptors underlying everything are ripe blackberry aromas paired with roasted herbs like lavender and oregano. And while the intensity and pleasure of the nose may cause one to wonder if the palate is going to be too heavy and audacious, the 2008 proves to be elegant and focused. This is the kind of wine that tempts producers to take a loss and never release, only enjoying its pleasures for themselves!