Donelan Syrah Obsidian Vineyard 2023

I can remember the first time I tasted the wines by Joe Donelan. They absolutely floored me. They were some of the finest Rhone varietal wines I had ever tasted from California. Back then the wines were made under the name Pax. After a business separation, his wines have been named under his namesake since 2008. They are some of hardest wines to get. We get a tiny allocation once a year. If you like the absolute finest, as good as it gets Syrah made in the US today. Today’s wine is one of them. The 2023 Donelan Obsidian Vineyard Syrah has received a perfect 100pts by Decanter and 100pts by Vinous. It is extremely rare to see two different 100pt scores. Rivals pinnacle Syrah made by the likes of Cayuse and Sine Qua Non. 2023 is going down as an all-time great vintage. Many are calling it the finest in the last 25 years. Donelan is a boutique winery focusing on small-batch Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other Rhône varietals. Made in tiny quantities and snapped up by wine lovers who are in the know. This is a truly great expression of Syrah and unfortunately very little available.