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Donelan Cuvee Moriah Rhone Red Blend Sonoma County 2016
Donelan Cuvee Moriah Rhone Red Blend Sonoma County 2016 – Wine Description
Overview
Donelan Cuvee Moriah Rhone Red Blend from Sonoma County is a distinctive and sophisticated wine that reflects the best of California's Rhône varietals. This wine is a masterful blend of 67% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah, capturing the essence of traditional Rhône winemaking with a modern Californian twist. It boasts an impressive 14.9% ABV and was aged in 11% new French oak for 22 months, allowing it to develop complexity and depth.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, the Donelan Cuvee Moriah reveals aromas of red and black fruit, with notes of ripe cherries, blackberries, and a subtle touch of spice. The Grenache provides a vibrant, juicy core, while the Mourvèdre adds structure and depth, bringing earthy, leathery tones. Syrah rounds out the blend with hints of dark chocolate and pepper. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied with velvety tannins and balanced acidity. The longer ageing process, especially in puncheons—large barrels used in Old World wine regions—gives the wine an elegant, fresh character while softening the inherent tannins in the Grenache.
Pairing Suggestions
Donelan Cuvee Moriah is a versatile food wine, perfect for pairing with hearty dishes. The wine’s acidity and tannin structure make it ideal for rich stews, roasted meats, or classic seafood dishes like bouillabaisse. Its bold yet balanced profile also complements Iberian cuisine, including dishes from Spain and Portugal, such as paella, grilled lamb, or chorizo.
Winemaking Techniques
The 2016 Cuvee Moriah was crafted with meticulous care. The Grenache and Mourvèdre were aged in puncheons, a technique that limits oxygen exposure to preserve the wine's freshness. The result is a wine that maintains bright fruit characteristics while allowing the flavours to evolve slowly over time. This aging method helps to mitigate the naturally aggressive tannins that can accompany Grenache, ensuring a more refined and enjoyable drinking experience.
Awards
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94 Points – Wine Enthusiast
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92 Points – Wine Advocate
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Best Rhone Blend – Sonoma County Wine Competition
Customer Reviews
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"A wonderful and complex wine with layers of fruit and spice. Great with food, especially a beef stew!"
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"I love how fresh this wine tastes even after 22 months of ageing. It has a lovely balance of fruit and earthiness."
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"This is the kind of wine that gets better with every sip. Very smooth tannins and great depth. Perfect for a special occasion."
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Enable Product | Enabled |
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Price | £395.85 |
Featured Product | No |
Country | United States |
Vintage | 2016 |
Bottles Per Case | 6 |
Bottle Size (cl) | 75 |
Winery | Named for one of Joe Donelan's daughters, Cuvee Moriah is a classic Southern Rhone blend, Grenache-led with Mourvedre and Syrah, creating a ripe, irresistible, incredibly aromatic wine that can retain the idyllic freshness that supports a very dense mid-palate. Where the Grenache brings bright strawberry fruit, its more exotic cousin, Mourvedre, furthers the blend's complexity with ripe pomegranate and grilled game. A select few barrels of Syrah add depth and richness to the finish, making for an ideal food wine that is also a scene-stealer in its own right. Cuvée Moriah’s Grenache hails from the Dry Stack Vineyard in Bennett Valley, Mourvédre from Sonoma Valley’s terra rosa soils, and Syrah from Steiner Vineyard atop Sonoma Mountain. |
On Sale | £261.30 |
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