Winemaking: This wine is a classic Bordeaux blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot .
Block 21 Cabernet is a single vineyard selection from the Trione Cloverdale Ranch, located on the western flank of the Mayacamas Mountains, in the northern portion of Alexander Valley. The vines, planted in 2001 with Bordeaux clone 337, grow in clay and sandy loam soils underlain with a high percentage of gravel. Cabernet Sauvignon grown in this ideal terroir develops deep, concentrated flavors and fine, smooth tannins.
The Trione Block 21 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep, dark, and foreboding. The wine is rich with black currant and dark chocolate aromas and flavors. Inhale, close your eyes and envision an old saddle, favorite wallet or baseball glove, those rustic leather notes are prominent. The structure is tight but has length and verbosity. This wine is age worthy and will continue to develop for 10 years and beyond. Cheers!
Review:
The winery’s 135-acres of vineyards at Cloverdale Ranch is home to Block 21, sporting some of the warmest temperatures in the area. Aged 24 months in French oak. Broad and sturdy, with backbone and finesse. A gentle giant, its firm, expressive tannins bearing weight on the palate. Dark chocolate, espresso, used saddle leather, and graphite form a consortium of elegance.
- The Tasting Panel, May/June 2025. 96 Points
Winemaking: This wine is a classic Bordeaux blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot .
Block 21 Cabernet is a single vineyard selection from the Trione Cloverdale Ranch, located on the western flank of the Mayacamas Mountains, in the northern portion of Alexander Valley. The vines, planted in 2001 with Bordeaux clone 337, grow in clay and sandy loam soils underlain with a high percentage of gravel. Cabernet Sauvignon grown in this ideal terroir develops deep, concentrated flavors and fine, smooth tannins.
The Trione Block 21 Cabernet Sauvignon is deep, dark, and foreboding. The wine is rich with black currant and dark chocolate aromas and flavors. Inhale, close your eyes and envision an old saddle, favorite wallet or baseball glove, those rustic leather notes are prominent. The structure is tight but has length and verbosity. This wine is age worthy and will continue to develop for 10 years and beyond. Cheers!
River Road Ranch is a 115-acre jewel in the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA. Chardonnay vines thrive in well-drained soils, shrouded with fog cooled nights, ideal growing conditions. The grapes for this wine came from two blocks of twelve and fifteen-year-old vines, planted with clones #4, 95, and 2A-Wente.
Bottled poetry is the description of Trione Chardonnay. Burgundian in style of both nose and palate. Rich and inviting, this wine offers a complex mix of toasty baguette, warm melted brie; silky but with the structure demonstrating the aging potential. The wine is tasting great now but will be awesome for the next 5-7 years.
River Road Ranch is a 115-acre jewel in the heart of the Russian River Valley AVA. Chardonnay vines thrive in well-drained soils, shrouded with fog cooled nights, ideal growing conditions. The grapes for this wine came from two blocks of twelve and fifteen-year-old vines, planted with clones #4, 95, and 2A-Wente.
Bottled poetry is the description of Trione Chardonnay. Burgundian in style of both nose and palate. Rich and inviting, this wine offers a complex mix of toasty baguette, warm melted brie; silky but with the structure demonstrating the aging potential. The wine is tasting great now but will be awesome for the next 5-7 years.
A tribute to the family patriarch, Henry Trione, this deep red wine is an artful blend of the five classic Bordeaux varieties: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the base structure and Merlot contributes fruit flavors and velvety texture; the Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot add depth, color and spice. We harvested the fully ripe grapes from select blocks on three Trione ranches in Alexander Valley, just ahead of early rains.
Winemaker Notes:
Aromas of black currants, blackberry pie and warm spices are the wine’s first impressions. On the palate Henry’s Blend is soft and supple, a seamless integration of ripe fruit, French oak and fine-grained tannins. Delicious now, the solid structure and abundant fruit suggest this wine will age well for 6–7 years with proper cellaring.
Review:
"This is a rich and flavorful red with aromas of plums, currants, mocha, cloves and burnt sage. Fleshy and textured, with a full body and polished, broad tannins. Lovely creamy texture, with a long and toasty finish. 35% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 13% petit verdot, 13% cabernet franc and 5% malbec. Drink now or hold."
- James SUCKLING (June 2023), 92 pts
A tribute to the family patriarch, Henry Trione, this deep red wine is an artful blend of the five classic Bordeaux varieties: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the base structure and Merlot contributes fruit flavors and velvety texture; the Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot add depth, color and spice. We harvested the fully ripe grapes from select blocks on three Trione ranches in Alexander Valley, just ahead of early rains.
Winemaker Notes:
Aromas of black currants, blackberry pie and warm spices are the wine’s first impressions. On the palate Henry’s Blend is soft and supple, a seamless integration of ripe fruit, French oak and fine-grained tannins. Delicious now, the solid structure and abundant fruit suggest this wine will age well for 6–7 years with proper cellaring.
The House of Trouillard has incredible holdings on the Côtes de Blancs. The vineyard's rating average 94-95, just one of the reasons the Blanc de Blancs has such incredible raciness and elegance. It is a Cuvée of eleven different Crus in the Reims Mountain, the Côtes de Blancs and the Sézannaise region and is the specialty of the house.
Trouillard Blanc de Blancs Brut NV is made of 100% Chardonnay with a green-gold color, characteristic of Chardonnay, and with fine persistent bubbles. This wine has an aroma that jumps out of the glass and is very inviting. On the nose there are seductive scents of warm almond croissant and honey, lightened by some floral notes. Crisp and refreshing in the mouth and lively with a very refined fruitiness and a touch of smokiness typical of wines from the Côtes des Blancs. The elegance and subtlety of the Chardonnay are to be especially appreciated as an aperitif, and nicely accompanies shellfish and fish.
It has become the favorite of those who know Champagne Trouillard.
Reviews:
"A blend of grapes from the Aube and the Marne Valley, this ripe wine shows the structure of Pinot Noir. The fruit's richness balances the low dosage to give an almost bone-dry wine that is full, fruity and that could age further in bottle. - ROGER VOSS"
- Wine Enthusiast (December 2019), 91 pts
"Aromatic, offering ripe fruit and yeast notes, this is backed by firm acidity, with a lively bead and flavors of Golden Delicious apple, white peach, ginger and whole-grain toast. Drink now through 2018. 2,500 cases made. –AN"
Wine Spectator (Web Only 2013), 90 pts
- Chardonnay du Monde 2012, SILVER MEDAL
This all Chardonnay Champagne is sourced from eleven different crus. It offers a fragrant bouquet of orchard fruit with hints of toasted grain and lemon zest. On the palate, there’s good textural richness and attractive apple and pear complemented by a smoky mineral note. But what we like most about this Blanc de Blancs is its outstanding sense of freshness. 100% Chardonnay aged 2+ years on the lees; 7-8 g/L RS" - - I-WineReview (Champagne: Diversity and Change, January 2020), 91 pts
Trouillet Lebeau Pouilly-Loche Les Mures is made from 100% Chardonnay.
Pouilly Loché is the smallest appellation in the Mâconnais (33 hectares). The climate called "Les Mures" is located on a hillside, facing east, overlooking the Saône Valley at an altitude of 250 meters, in the village of Loché, 5 kilometers south-east of Mâcon. Loché has been a site devoted to vines since the Roman times. Excavations during the construction of the TGV station, which puts this vineyard 1 hour 40 minutes from Paris and Geneva, revealed the foundations of a large villa. Thereafter, the vine flourished under the influence of the monks of Cluny, who are reminded of the magnificent 12th century octagonal bell tower behind which the rocks of Solutré and Vergisson stand out.
The wine offers delicate and precise aromas of ripe yellow fruits. Dense, fleshy and fruity in the mouth with a fresh menthol finish.
Trouillet Lebeau Pouilly-Vinzelles Les Quarts is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The wine comes from a very small parcel located in the climate of "Les Quarts" benefiting from an eastern exposure that is perfectly suited to Chardonnay, allowing early harvests and giving rich and powerful wines. Neighboring the archaeological complex of Solutré, the Vinzelles appellation is based on the same Jurassic (Bathonian and Bajocian) rocks that crown the Mâconnais mountains.
Rich aromas of peach, apricot and grapefruit, evolving with age towards fresh almond, hazelnut, honey, quince or toasted bread. This Pouilly-Vinzelles "Les Quarts" balances its natural minerality with fatness and opulence.
Harmonious Bordeaux-style blend with bold red fruit aromas of black cherry, currant, and blackberries. Balanced with subtle notes of cocoa and spice. Enjoy with soft cheeses, such as brie or goat. Terrific with lamb, aged beef, rustic stews, and mushrooms.
Trump Winery New World Reserve is made from 53% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec.
Awards:
Tasting Notes:
This signature Bordeaux-style blend is complex and round with well-structured tannins and developed flavors of blackberry, cassis, vanilla, and toasted oak. Just released, this wine will develop and evolve in the bottle softening into a seamless wine with aging potential. Enjoy with steak, lamb, and hard, salty cheeses such as gruyère
Trump Winery Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
Awards:
Tasting Notes:
Our award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, recognized with two double gold medals, showcases vibrant aromas of grapefruit, melon, passion fruit, and boxwood. Hand-harvested grapes are meticulously processed and fermented in stainless steel, with three months of lees stirring to enhance the mouthfeel. The result is a beautifully balanced wine with a refreshing crispness and clean acidity, perfect for pairing with seafood and salads.
Trus Ribera del Duero Crianza is made from 100 percent Tempranillo.
Trus - an acronym for T-tierra (soil), R-roble (oak), U-uva (grape), S-sol (sun) - aims to reflect the uniqueness of each vintage, the aging potential of the wine in the bottle over the years.
Trus takes its roots in Palacios Vinos de Finca, the estate that was founded in 1999, then purchased by Javier Palacios who decided to focus on producing wines that express the purity and typicity of the Ribera terroirs.
The estate vineyards are located in Piñel de abajo, Pesquera de Duero, Quintanilla de Arriba. The winery also partners with winegrowers in Moradillo, Roa, Nava, Peñaranda or Baños de Valdearados. The clay-limestone soils of the high-altitude vineyards define the intense and complex personality of the wines. That is why Trus wines can be defined as classic, because an avant-garde look is the one that is directed towards the soil, preserving a typicity that is marked from its deepest roots.
Trus Crianza reveals a clean and bright cherry color with Burgundian tones at the rim. The nose is very intense and complex, offering ripe black fruits and liquorice aromas, toasty and vanilla nuances, spices and balsamic notes. The wine is tasty and unctuous on the palate, a perfect harmony between acidity and alcohol. Fresh and friendly mouthfeel, the ripe and soft tannins provide structure and great length. Long finish, ripe fruit aftertaste with a smoky and spicy finish.
Review:
"A plush and fabulous expression of variety and provenance with well-integrated alcohol, tannin and acidity. Will continue for several years and mellow. Be warned – one glass will be quickly followed by the next."
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2021, 96 points - GOLD MEDAL
Turley Kirschenmann Vineyard Zinfandel is made from 100 percent Zinfandel.
Organically farmed, own-rooted, head-trained and dry-farmed vines planted in 1915 in the silica-rich sandy soils of the east side of the Mokelumne River AVA. Marking the 10th vintage of this wine, bright ripe red fruits, raspberry preserves, and white pepper burst forth from the glass. Precise on the palate like a perfectly seasoned piece of meat, with more red berries and a sumptuously complex texture.
Review:
The 2023 Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard is one of the best wines I have tasted from this site, as it has more textural depth and resonance than is typically the case. As always, the Kirschenmann Zinfandel is aromatic and lifted. In 2023, it is a bit more complex and nuanced than it often is. Bright red-toned fruit and floral overtones linger. This is such a pretty wine.
Vinous 92-94 Points
The sage, autumnal older sister to the spring verve of the Juvenile, Old Vines encompasses everything we stand for at Turley. Teeming with dark berries, currants, baking spices, earth, and a sprinkle of petrichor on the nose. The palate is brooding yet supple, serious yet satisfying. Inherently embodies the depth, complexity, and grace that can only come from old vines.
Review:
As with the Juvenile bottling, the 2022 Zinfandel Old Vines punches above its weight in this vintage. The nose is considerably deeper, fuller and more polished, opening with aromas of crushed plums, wild berry preserves, tobacco leaves and similar autumnal accents to its younger sibling. The palate is light- to medium-bodied, carrying through the polished quality of the nose and melds it with a subtly dusty tannin structure and bright acidity. The finish is straightforward and easy to drink, offering generous layers of fruit, spice and floral notes.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 92 Points
A gutsy little red, with intense yet zesty flavors of raspberry, cranberry, savory anise and black pepper that finish with briary tannins.
Wine Spectator 92 Points
Turley Pesenti Zinfandel is made from 100 percent Zinfandel.
This certified organic estate-owned vineyard was planted in the 1920s on primarily limestone soil. Though the vines are head-trained and dry-farmed, the soil plays the most important role in distinguishing this vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. The wines have a brightness, with chalk and floral characteristic aromas unique to the site, and to Zinfandel in general.
Review:
Dark and brambly, with brooding plum and blackberry flavors accented by licorice, clove and smoked pepper tones as this builds grip toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2035. 2,387 cases made.
-Wine Spectator 93 Points
Valminor Albarino Rias Baixas is made from 100 percent Albarino.
Albariño is a Portuguese grape, native to the Miño River region, which separates Galicia & the Rias Baixas DO from Portugal. Albariño has a characteristic citrus aroma & high acidity.
Valminor Albarino presents a yellow straw color. On the nose, the wine shows a wide fruity range of aromas, with notes of fresh grapefruit, apricot and melon. In the mouth, Valminor combines fruity flavors and freshness with a rounded acidity, resulting in a balanced wine that boasts an opulent taste and slight spritziness.
Review:
"Elaborate swirls of lime, lemon, passionfruit and white peach entice the nose whilst the pristine purity of acidity and mineral freshness disarms the terroir-driven palate. Salty, linear and tangy, demonstrating Atlantic style at its best."
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, 97 pts and Platinum Medal
Venancio da Costa Lima Palmela Reserva is made from 100% Castelao (also known as Periquita)
Intense garnet color, complex nose with touches of ripe fruit, jam and spices, full-bodied flavor and a very balanced finish.
100% Castelao (also known as "Periquita" and "Joao de Santarem". As the most widely-grown red grape variety in Portugal it is still often referred to in Portuguese as Periquita, although that name is legally owned by José Maria da Fonseca in the Setúbal Peninsula outside of Lisbon. It is highly adaptable to different climatic conditions and its remarkable versatility enables winemakers to make a range of wines – from the easy drinking and quaffable reds and rosados to the powerful and intense reds perfectly suited to lengthy cellaring. Castelão comes into its own and is most expressive in the Sétubal Peninsula, where it makes meaty and intense wines with aromas of red berries and blue flowers that marry well with the deft use of oak.
Made from 45 year old vines.
Classic vinification at controlled temperature (25 °C) with prolonged maceration for phenolic extraction. Wine went through malolactic fermentation.
Wine was slightly fitered before bottling to avoid sedimentation in the bottle and to ensure stability.
Pasta, Cheese, red meat and game.
Verite La Joie Red is made from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc,5% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec.
The 2018 La Joie displays a brilliant violet core with a thin rim of bright ruby. Generous fruit-for- ward aromas of ripe black currant and black cherry are followed by earthy notes of fresh conifer, dried mushroom, black olive, dusty clay, anise and clove. The palate is rich and structured; possessing similar flavors of the nose, refined tannins, well-balanced acidity and a complex, luscious finish.
Review:
Blackberries, black mushrooms, violets, flowers, and dark tobacco. Black truffle, too. Full-bodied, yet in check and pretty. The fine tannins frame the wine perfectly. Really long and focused. Seamless. Elegance with power. This will age incredibly well, but already so gorgeous to try. 76% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot and 3% malbec. Try after 2026, but attractive now.
-James Suckling 99 Points
Verite La Joie Red is made from 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, .
The 2018 La Joie displays a brilliant violet core with a thin rim of bright ruby. Generous fruit-for- ward aromas of ripe black currant and black cherry are followed by earthy notes of fresh conifer, dried mushroom, black olive, dusty clay, anise and clove. The palate is rich and structured; possessing similar flavors of the nose, refined tannins, well-balanced acidity and a complex, luscious finish.
Review:
A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2019 La Joie is deep garnet-purple in color. It has a wonderfully flashy and flamboyant nose of blackcurrant cordial, redcurrant jelly, plum preserves, and potpourri with hints of chocolate mint, tilled soil, chalk dust, and forest floor. The medium to full-bodied palate is very taut and muscular with tons of bright, crunchy black fruits and wonderful tension, finishing with tons of earthy nuances. 2,500 cases were made.
-The Wine Independent 100 Points
The 2019 La Joie is an elegant expression that offers power, freshness and expressive, floral character. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, it has a deep ruby color and opens slowly from black cherries and blueberries to accents of violets, ground coffee and licorice. The full-bodied palate has generous, grainy tannins, detailed, perfumed flavors and bright acidity, finishing with an alluring iron character.
Robert Parker 99 Points
Verite Le Desir Red is made from 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 6% Malbec.
The 2018 Le Désir has a dark inky appearance with a violet hue that extends to the rim. The compelling characteristics of Cabernet Franc are expressed on the nose and palate with flavors of crunchy cranberry, ripe raspberry, red currant, dried sage, crushed mint, and cinnamon bark; followed by spice cake, subtle vanilla liquor, and singed toast. The persistent finish and bright acidity suggest the wine will continue to evolve in the cellar for many years to come.
Review:
The Cabernet Franc blend of the trio, the 2018 Le Desir is 82% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 6% Malbec, and as with all these wines, it was brought up in new barrels. Ruby/purple and not completely opaque, it offers up a classic Cabernet Franc nose of mostly red fruits, spring flowers, damp earth, cedary spices, and truffle. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shines for its incredible elegance and purity more than outright power, yet it still brings plenty of richness. With ultra-fine tannins, perfect balance, and one heck of a great finish, it's another great, great wine from this estate.
Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points
Holocene Memorialis Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Holocene Pinot Noir Memorialis is a blend of 777, Pommard and 115 clones from MonksGate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and it saw about 20% new French oak for 16 months prior to bottling. It is always the lighter and more feminine of the two Holocene wines, with red fruits, white flowers, dried herbs, mushroom and forest floor aromatics, bright acidity and a lithe texture, long finish.
By now, everyone knows that the Willamette Valley is an amazing place to grow Pinot Noir. When I relocated from Napa Valley to partner up with Force Majeure Vineyards, I knew I also wanted to start a project where I could focus attention on a varietal and growing region that I loved. Part of the excitement of being in the Pacific Northwest is the ability to have access to so many amazing vineyards and so much diversity, along with the opportunity to push boundaries and try new things – something that is becoming increasingly difficult in other growing regions.
We partner up with a few very small, diverse and amazing vineyards in the Willamette Valley, sourcing fruit from these dry-farmed sites that emphasize low yields, sustainable practices and produce outstanding fruit.
The wines are crafted in the same way I have been making wine since I was carrying it out at Bryant Family Vineyard in the Napa Valley — utilizing very low-impact, non-industrial techniques, native yeasts, little extraction and little new oak, and never filtering or fining. This allows a real sense of place to show through in the wines that is often dimmed when too much manipulation is undertaken.
Our first vintage was 2015, and was released in early 2017. As production is currently extremely small, the best way to get the wines into your hands is to join our mailing list at the “Mailing List” link above to receive an allocation when we have a release. We release wines once per year, and they will be sold on a first come, first served basis, shipped straight to your door.
Review:
The 2021 Pinot Noir Memorialis is more complete and layered, with beautiful ripe cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as spice box, dried, smoky herbs, and savory flower-like aromas and flavors. Textured, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, it has the fruit and texture to shine even today yet the density and structure to evolve for 10-12 years as well.
- Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
Obsidian Vineyard Syrah is bathed in terroir. The vines experience severe stress, pushing the roots ever deeper through rock in search of water, producing miniature clusters of intense power. Given the wine’s natural propensity for tannin, we take extreme care in the cellar to chisel/whittle its rough edges and leave room for richness to flatter its distinctive scaffold. The mid-palate supports flavors of roasted coffee beans, sarsaparilla, and dark chocolate. The finish marches on long after most wines have tired.
Our estate vineyard — the six-acre Obsidian Vineyard in the Knights Valley AVA — has an incredibly complex soil structure. It takes its name from a layer of volcanic obsidian rock that was discovered when we drilled for water.
Chocolate ganache, black currants, fig, graphite, and an expansive mouthfeel.
Review:
"Joe Donelan believes his Obsidian Vineyard is one of the world’s greatest sites for Syrah. I’ve visited the site twice, and can say candidly it certainly sits among the most striking vineyards I've ever laid eyes on within the U.S. It sits like a rock on a promontory—two switchbacks to reach the top—and the stones under the top soil, quite literally, never stop emerging from the ground. The place has an ancient, almost sacred, temple-like feel. It is consistently swept by afternoon breezes. The vineyard was replanted in 2017 after fires ravaged it. Winemaker David Milner laid out the site at denser spacing than before, at 2,000 vines per acre to keep yields per vine low while still achieving sensible tonnage, averaging around three tonnes per acre. Viognier was planted for co-fermentations, alongside some Cabernet Sauvignon, for a single vineyard bottling of that grape. ‘God put on his viticultural hat when he designed this site,’ says Milner. The vineyard is planted with ENTA 174, 877, and Alban 1 clones, along with Donelan Heritage selections certified virus-free. The wine, the 2023 vintage release (the first from the new vines), was aged for 21 months in 36% new oak and co-fermented with 1.8% Viognier, using 32% whole clusters. And it is positively gorgeous: composed of nine different blocks, each fermented separately, then assembled through sequential blending, with no racking until bottling. From just five-year-old vines, this wine is utterly extraordinary—something oddly achievable from young vines on rare occasion. I tasted this wine from the same bottle over three days. While the high-toned espresso-bean and cedar accents are present at first pull of the cork, they mellow out a day later, and the fruit profile is so vibrant. This is the sign of an excellent wine. I first tasted wines from the Donelan’s Obsidian Vineyard years ago at Tasting Panel Magazine in the late, great Anthony Dias Blue’s office. Cushing Donelan showed the wines, and to this day, I recall the first moment I put my nose into a glass of Obsidian Syrah. In early January of 2026, as I nosed this brand new release of Obsidian Syrah, I was transported straight back to that tasting twelve years ago. What’s remarkable is that the aromatics are unmistakably the same, yet from these new, more densely planted vines, the aromas are more refined—precision-farmed wines from young vines delivering a level of detail and poise that feels beyond their years. So what’s in the glass? Pure red, black, and blue fruit nuances layered with tobacco, white truffle character, violet pastille, and an intoxicating perfume. White pepper notes emerge on the medium- to full-bodied palate, framed by velvety tannins. Iron-like and crushed slate minerality underpins dazzling black cherry and blackberry fruit, brown spices, and blood orange richness. There’s a velvety, iron-fist quality here that exudes polish, complexity, and undeniable quality. You want to drink it now—and you absolutely can—but it will also reward time in the cellar. Either way, you’ll be utterly wowed. And when you realise the price is under £100, the achievement becomes even more staggering. As these vines mature, what will become of them in subsequent vintages? I suspect that as the vines mature, they'll go in and out of phases, but so long as Mother Nature cooperates, I expect this wine to continue to dazzle each vintage. - Jonathan CRISTALDI"
Decanter (January 5th 2026), 100 points
This is the first vintage of the Obsidian Syrah after wildfires torched the vineyard in 2017, leading to significant redevelopment. Throughout all those years, the Donelans have exhibited remarkable patience and a clear sense of purpose. This is their reward: a truly magnificent, towering wine of the highest level.
Knights Valley is one of the most magical grape-growing districts in the United States, but it is not very well known because only a few estate wineries are located there.
The 2023 Syria Obsidian Estate is one of the most profound, moving wines I have tasted in Sonoma County. Blackberry, gravel, incense, chocolate, lavender, and dried herbs race out of the glass. Delicate yet powerful, the 2023 is spectacular. It is also very fairly priced in today’s market.
Vinous 100 Points