“This well-structured but sleek Bordeaux blend from the central coast is brimming with sour cherry and blackberry aromas. The gentle tannins are already well integrated and this has a very food-friendly balance.” JamesSuckling.com
Aromas of cherry cola, boysenberry, chocolate dipped blueberry. On the palate, well balanced, medium bodied with well integrated tannins. Notes of blackberry, boysenberry, & mocha. Medium length finish with a lingering of mocha, graphite and candied cherry.
An easy drinking Bordeaux style blend, this wine pairs well with most cuisines or can be enjoyed on its own. We hope you’ll enjoy it with family and friends.
Winemaking
100% stainless steel fermentation with twice daily punch downs.
Aging - 23 Months 13% New French Oak, 7% New American Oak, 2% New Russian Oak
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 43%, Merlot 42%, Malbec 7%, Cabernet Franc 5% & Petite Verdot 3%
As a young boy, Ron Donati grew up in South San Francisco, the son of a first generation Italian-American family. One of his fondest memories was the sights and smells of his grandfather making wine in his basement. Like most Italian immigrants, Albino Donati made his own wine for the family dinner table. As an adult, Ron became a successful entrepreneur with a penchant for making quality products that were attainable to all, not just a select few. This same passion serves as the foundation and guiding mission of Donati Family Vineyard today. It is our goal to produce wines of exceptional quality regardless of budget.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI
This is my second go at being a rat, so thanks to the team for the opportunity, especially given my amateur status with wines overall. I’ve had a good run enjoying blends lately, so I was really pleased to have received this claret from Donati Family Vineyard, though I look at that logo and can only see “Down For Vino”. Which, of course, I am.
Cork popped audibly prior to pouring my first glass. It was slightly boozy at first smell, but that quickly faded. I caught notes of currant, pepper and overall earthiness as I tasted it a few minutes later. It was somewhat drier than I’m used to. Fruity and dry, with plenty of tannins for body, but very little acidity which I appreciated.
On its own –definitely drinkable – but it begged for a cheese platter or at least a few crustinis. It was medium red and lighter than I expected. A nice surprise. I’m enjoying the Cabernet and Malbec roots of this one which feels preferable over the less present Merlot influence.
The second glass smoothed out a bit, and tasted a little sweeter with some time in the glass. Getting more blackberry and cherry now, consistent with the Bordeaux profile. I’m only slightly embarrassed to mention that my grocery shopping fell through today and was forced to pair it with what was on hand. Ahem. It went fine with the grilled hot dogs and corn on the cob (I can’t believe I just wrote that), but I can see this going really nicely with charcuterie, or a cooked-medium burger. But it continued to serve me well despite the pairing of meat sticks in bread.
My 3rd glass had me listening to CSN and laying on the chase lounge on the deck. Can’t say I hated that.
Finished off the bottle the second day this time with some chicken and steak fajitas. This was certainly a better go-to food-wise and the wine complimented the proteins nicely. I did find the wine to be slightly more acidic the next day, so probably best to finish this guy a day or so after opening, at most.
Not having any idea what this should cost, I’d guess about $18 a bottle. At that price I’d say go in for a limited offering, any less than that, go for the case!* This is a great daily drinker and something that would be nice to have on-hand, ready to go. I really appreciated this wine, despite never having a Claret before, and look forward and purchasing it, at the right price.
I’d say this is buy for sure. Happy to answer any question to the best of my ability.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Donati Family Vineyard Claret - $10 = 8.33%
@chipgreen Actually, as someone with too many cases o’ wine (though not a terrible problem to have, all things considered), I do appreciate the ability to jump in to a smaller offering without paying too much of a “small order penalty.” In fact that might push me into buying whereas I probably wouldn’t be ready to do a full case.
Nose: Not much… Cassis, plum, light oak and vanilla, white pepper Taste: Dry, coco powder, raspberries Finish: Smooth - fine tannins, Acid
Overall… I just wish there was more, could be my personal preference. It’s non-offensive, casual drinking; something that could be served as a house wine, from a carafe, at a local small restaurant.
Would have loved to opine, but it’s a $9-11 bottle and probably a okay bet at that price.
@KingKoopa@WCCWineGirl A lot of merlot-heavy blends tend to be that way for me. (this is <50% but almost 50%). Just not a big fan of that mellowness. You can get high-end Bordeaux blends (which are Merlot-heavy) and still they don’t excite me that much, but I can see where some people might prefer that style.
And from Wine Enthusiast:
86 Points. Pencil shavings and gamy aromas meet with very light red-fruit tones on the nose of this blend of all five primary Bordeaux varieties. Leathery flavors show on the palate as do dark berries. MK 11/1/19
The entire Suckling review:
91 Points. “This well-structured but sleek Bordeaux blend fromthe Central Coast is brimming with sour-cherry and blackberry aromas. The gentle tannins are already well integrated and this has a very food-friendly balance. With a little more concentration, it would rate even higher. Drink or hold.”
@kaolis we know CT is what it is, but looking at the profile and background of sdwineguru, and his notes on this, I was hoping for a bit more. WD again chalks up a good price on this.
@rjquillin I have to admit, I rarely if ever check in with CT. Probably should a bit more. And I guess as you are mentioning you get to know someone’s palate it could be somewhat useful.
This is a steal at 10 bucks/bottle. Carried this at the neighborhood wine shop I work at for 20 dollars/bottle and 9/glass and it was a roaring success. Super delightful and a total people pleaser. Maybe not a cerebral experience, but superb table wine and I think it’s ridiculous to think this would retail in the 10 dollar range. The Donati rep I met who tasted us on the line was awesome and it’s always great to support good people.
I just ordered 6 bottles as even buying it without retail markup would be closer to 15 a bottle. I think most folks will be thrilled by this deal, as I was thrilled to see this.
@wino121 no, it’s not hard. i’m amazed at how many wineries don’t have all the D to C license buttonned up. probably because it’s not very penal if they don’t.
Yes,
Your probably right.
A lot of smaller wineries just ship without dealing with the BS tax/fees/license etc.
I suppose if you expose your self on these discount wine sites they might hunt you down thou.
Could have sworn I got some here, but I guess it was when I visited their tasting room last year. Email last month offered a case at $120, glad I waited. Now, as @TheOther1 mentioned, to find room!
2016 Donati Claret, Paicines, Central Coast
Tasting Notes
91 points – JamesSuckling.com
Winemaking
Specs
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
$279.45 at Donati Family Vineyard for 12x 2016 Donati Claret, Paicines, Central Coast
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, September 8th
Donati Family Vineyard Claret
6 bottles for $59.99 $10/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $109.99 $9.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2016 Donati Family Vineyard Claret
Hey everyone!
This is my second go at being a rat, so thanks to the team for the opportunity, especially given my amateur status with wines overall. I’ve had a good run enjoying blends lately, so I was really pleased to have received this claret from Donati Family Vineyard, though I look at that logo and can only see “Down For Vino”. Which, of course, I am.
Cork popped audibly prior to pouring my first glass. It was slightly boozy at first smell, but that quickly faded. I caught notes of currant, pepper and overall earthiness as I tasted it a few minutes later. It was somewhat drier than I’m used to. Fruity and dry, with plenty of tannins for body, but very little acidity which I appreciated.
On its own –definitely drinkable – but it begged for a cheese platter or at least a few crustinis. It was medium red and lighter than I expected. A nice surprise. I’m enjoying the Cabernet and Malbec roots of this one which feels preferable over the less present Merlot influence.
The second glass smoothed out a bit, and tasted a little sweeter with some time in the glass. Getting more blackberry and cherry now, consistent with the Bordeaux profile. I’m only slightly embarrassed to mention that my grocery shopping fell through today and was forced to pair it with what was on hand. Ahem. It went fine with the grilled hot dogs and corn on the cob (I can’t believe I just wrote that), but I can see this going really nicely with charcuterie, or a cooked-medium burger. But it continued to serve me well despite the pairing of meat sticks in bread.
My 3rd glass had me listening to CSN and laying on the chase lounge on the deck. Can’t say I hated that.
Finished off the bottle the second day this time with some chicken and steak fajitas. This was certainly a better go-to food-wise and the wine complimented the proteins nicely. I did find the wine to be slightly more acidic the next day, so probably best to finish this guy a day or so after opening, at most.
Not having any idea what this should cost, I’d guess about $18 a bottle. At that price I’d say go in for a limited offering, any less than that, go for the case!* This is a great daily drinker and something that would be nice to have on-hand, ready to go. I really appreciated this wine, despite never having a Claret before, and look forward and purchasing it, at the right price.
I’d say this is buy for sure. Happy to answer any question to the best of my ability.
*Now that I see the offer, this feels like a steal at $10 or less a bottle.
@ACraigL Nothing wrong with Tube Steaks…
@ACraigL Also, Great Review. I’m in.
@ACraigL @FritzCat And hey if you look at the pic @KinkKoopa posted on his review, Tube Steak seems to be the preferred match!
I’m in for 6 BTW.
@ACraigL Thanks for the report. Hot diggities and corn on the cob sounds good to me.
@ACraigL There’s an old BC comic strip that has Wiley’s dictionary definition of Eating Disorder as having white wine with hotdogs.
@ACraigL no & Y ?
@scott0210 ?
@ACraigL listening to CSN
@ACraigL @scott0210 Ideally you could drink a Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre blend, then you could be drinking GSM while listening to CSN.
@scott0210 LOL. I see, haha. Not this time. But often. And sometimes only Y.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016 Donati Family Vineyard Claret - $10 = 8.33%
@chipgreen Actually, as someone with too many cases o’ wine (though not a terrible problem to have, all things considered), I do appreciate the ability to jump in to a smaller offering without paying too much of a “small order penalty.” In fact that might push me into buying whereas I probably wouldn’t be ready to do a full case.
/giphy secret-pleasing-grapefruit
Thank you again for the opportunity to be a Rat!
Nose: Not much… Cassis, plum, light oak and vanilla, white pepper
Taste: Dry, coco powder, raspberries
Finish: Smooth - fine tannins, Acid
Overall… I just wish there was more, could be my personal preference. It’s non-offensive, casual drinking; something that could be served as a house wine, from a carafe, at a local small restaurant.
Would have loved to opine, but it’s a $9-11 bottle and probably a okay bet at that price.
@KingKoopa thank you for the review. I was curious about this one.
@WCCWineGirl happy to be a rat. It wasn’t that a I disliked the wine, there was just nothing to get me excited about.
@KingKoopa @WCCWineGirl A lot of merlot-heavy blends tend to be that way for me. (this is <50% but almost 50%). Just not a big fan of that mellowness. You can get high-end Bordeaux blends (which are Merlot-heavy) and still they don’t excite me that much, but I can see where some people might prefer that style.
And from Wine Enthusiast:
86 Points. Pencil shavings and gamy aromas meet with very light red-fruit tones on the nose of this blend of all five primary Bordeaux varieties. Leathery flavors show on the palate as do dark berries. MK 11/1/19
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/donati-family-vineyard-2016-claret-paicines/
The entire Suckling review:
91 Points. “This well-structured but sleek Bordeaux blend fromthe Central Coast is brimming with sour-cherry and blackberry aromas. The gentle tannins are already well integrated and this has a very food-friendly balance. With a little more concentration, it would rate even higher. Drink or hold.”
fwiw
@kaolis we know CT is what it is, but looking at the profile and background of sdwineguru, and his notes on this, I was hoping for a bit more. WD again chalks up a good price on this.
@rjquillin I have to admit, I rarely if ever check in with CT. Probably should a bit more. And I guess as you are mentioning you get to know someone’s palate it could be somewhat useful.
Figured I’d give it a try - in for six.
/giphy abrupt-colossal-net
@jchasma - Interested in a split? Or anyone else in SC Midlands?
The low (relative, these days) abv looks nice but wish the ph was lower. On the fence.
/giphy unusual-transient-garlic
Donati is good stuff and a good place to visit in Paso. Happy to see places like Donati on here
This is a steal at 10 bucks/bottle. Carried this at the neighborhood wine shop I work at for 20 dollars/bottle and 9/glass and it was a roaring success. Super delightful and a total people pleaser. Maybe not a cerebral experience, but superb table wine and I think it’s ridiculous to think this would retail in the 10 dollar range. The Donati rep I met who tasted us on the line was awesome and it’s always great to support good people.
OWLS! TOWELS! JOWLS! AWESOME!
I just ordered 6 bottles as even buying it without retail markup would be closer to 15 a bottle. I think most folks will be thrilled by this deal, as I was thrilled to see this.
In.
OK: OK:
I don’t need any more wine…Soooooo only in for a 6’er; what can I say - NO will power!!
unvarying-strong-zoo
@PLSemenza giphy’d for ya
/giphy unvarying-strong-zoo
Color me intrigued…
Anyone in eastern CT or MA interested in splitting a half or whole case? (Or playing surrogate for a Rhode Islander?)
Though I said I don’t favor merlot blends but really want to give it a try anyway, so
/giphy horrific-dippy-flight
Not sure why casemates puts these wines up that ship to just a handful of states.
@wino121
28/48, nearly 60%, not bad. Contact your legislator to open up the restrictive laws that unduly burden producers.
It is, however, frustrating at times.
It’s not overwhelming difficult,
You pay a small fee thru a brokerage to Ne,
And Iowa is even easier.
And then the consumer pays the sales tax.
@wino121 no, it’s not hard. i’m amazed at how many wineries don’t have all the D to C license buttonned up. probably because it’s not very penal if they don’t.
Yes,
Your probably right.
A lot of smaller wineries just ship without dealing with the BS tax/fees/license etc.
I suppose if you expose your self on these discount wine sites they might hunt you down thou.
In for a case! Now to make some room to store it, but that is the fun part.
Could have sworn I got some here, but I guess it was when I visited their tasting room last year. Email last month offered a case at $120, glad I waited. Now, as @TheOther1 mentioned, to find room!
Any So Cal’ers want a bottle or 2?
/giphy loved-technical-eye
@MarkDaSpark bottle or two sounds just right.
@rjquillin. 2 it is.
@MarkDaSpark ill take a couple.