Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 94
The 2016 Syrah Cuvée Keltie is made of 100% Syrah with 80% whole cluster and aged for 22 months (no new oak). Medium to deep ruby-purple, it’s youthfully coiled, with the nose slowly opening to reveal blueberry coulis, warm black cherries and berries with savory notions of olive and charcuterie plus notes of fried herbs and a mineral streak. Full-bodied, it’s packed with black and blue fruits and savory notions segueing to bitter chocolate, framed by firm, dusty tannins and great freshness to lift the dense finish. 271 cases produced.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035
Vinous 96+
The 2016 Syrah Cuvée Keltie, a selection from Donelan’s top barrels is dense, meaty and powerful. Where most of the 2016s in this range offer sensuality and early appeal, the Cuvée Keltie will require a bit of patience. The 100% whole clusters are nicely balanced, and there is terrific depth to the unctuous blue/purplish fruit, lavender and spice flavors, but the wine has not come together yet. That should not be a problem in a few years’ time.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2031
Jeb Dunnuck 99
A barrel selection from the top sites the estate works with, this cuvée is always 100% Syrah that’s not destemmed and is brought up in neutral oak The 2016 Syrah Cuvee Keltie is another prodigious effort that offers everything you could want from a cool climate Syrah from California. Deep ruby-colored, with a stunning bouquet of dark fruits, ground pepper, lavender, cured meats, and dried flowers, it’s full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, multi-dimensional, and has thrilling length. Drink this fabulous complex, singular Syrah over the coming 15-20 years or more.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034