By Donelan Family Wines
2017 Sonoma County 'Cuvee Moriah'

Winemaking Notes
We aged the Grenache and Mourvedre in puncheons - a very old-world technique. Grenache is a variety - especially if aged for as long as we do (22 months in barrel) - that the puncheons allow for less oxygen exchange, keeping the wine fresher over time while helping flesh out some of the aggressive tannins from Grenache. The combination of tannin and acidity makes it a great food wine.

Technical Details
Grapes: Grenache, Mourvedre
Fermentation: 40% whole cluster, native fermentation, native malolactic
Aging: 22 months in 15.7% new oak
Bottling Date: July 2019
Alcohol: 14.40%

Tasting Notes
We've been working with Dry Stack Vineyard for almost two decades. This is an ode to Chateuneuf du Pape. Cool climate Grenache from Dry Stack Vineyard takes the lead. Hallmarks of cool-climate Grenache: red kirsch, framboise, sweet raspberries, raspberry compote. There's always a pretty, spicy white pepper element from whole-cluster inclusion. The Mourvedre gives the wine some heft, darkens the fruit profile, adds to the midpalate, and adds a gamey characteristic to the wine. Pair it with stews or bouillabaisse. Food from the Iberian Peninsula pairs well with Grenache. It's a fun wine. Before we made Pinot Noir, this was our answer. It's a variety I wish people knew more about in the new world.
[Information provided by Miller Squared]

Wine: 2017 Donelan Cuvee Moriah
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: 2021 - 2029
Review Date: 07/22/2021
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes: Lots of bright berry fruit, cracked pepper, and sappy herb notes emerge from the 2017 Cuvee Moriah, a medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, fruit-forward, Rhone-like blend delivering plenty of underlying tannins as well as acidity. Another charming, impeccably made wine from this team, it can be enjoyed any time over the coming 7-8 years.

Wine: 2017 Donelan Family Wines Cuvee Moriah
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 06/03/2021
Reviewed By: Erin Brooks
Tasting Notes: The 2017 Cuvee Moriah, a blend of Grenache and Mourvedre, has a pale ruby color and scents of dried red and black berries, scorched earth, preserved citrus and a touch of powdered sugar and balsamic vinegar. The palate is soft and juicy with earth-laced fruits and a long finish with spice and potpourri accents.

Wine: Donelan Family Wines 2017 Cuvee Moriah
Score/Rating: 89
Suggested Drinking Window: 2022 - 2029
Review Date: 07/2021
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2017 Cuvee Moriah, Donelan's Grenache/Mourvedre blend, is nicely lifted. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, spice, cedar and licorice all open in the glass. In 2017, the Moriah is a bit light in body, with some angularity in the tannin, although its aromatic presence compensates to a degree.