Tyler Thomas's Profile 
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Hit the ground running ITB in 2002 when I entered graduate school for Viticulture and Enonlogy at UC Davis. Worked for Fiddlehead Cellars until I finished my M.S., moved on to HdV Wines before settling in at Donelan Wines (formerly Pax Wine Cellars). A midwestern kid, my heritage is French both in blood and culture. Wine is a part of the table and in college a passion for wine went through the gates of Rhone. I am most proud of my lovely bride and our 3 children.
Web site: http//:www.donelanwines.com
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Recent Reviews & Comments
Everything • Only: Reviews | Tyler’s Comments | Others’ Comments
Sipping on some recently bottled Kobler Family Vineyard Syrah...still not sure what bottle shock is, this stuff is great and only one day after bottling!
Had a terrific line up of Northern Rhone wines last night. Several stand outs including Duclaux 2006 Cote Rotie, Rostaing 2006 Cote Rotie, and Jamet 2005 Cote Rotie...to name a few!
I tried some really great examples of NZ Syrah recently that acted a lot like Cote Rotie. Really impressive what some producers are doing down there with this grape
Jon, so true. I worked in the Hawke's Bay area, then known for its Bordeaux varietal wines, but I thought the Syrah was some of the best stuff we feremented. Dry River also makes a killer cool climate Syrah!
2004 Bruno Rocca Barbaresco
(2010-02-26 21:19:30 UTC)
2004 Bruno Rocca Barbaresco
95/100
This was a captivating wine. Tasted blind in a flight of 3 Barbaresco and 3 Barolo, this stood out with beautiful cassis, leather, tobacco, hints of mint, and cherry licorice. Really a difficult profile to deconstruct, but very enjoyable. Good depth, perhaps a bit too much tannin right now, but hey its Nebbiolo. Very good length, I wanted a 3rd glass!
2006 Les Caillerets 1er Cru
(2010-02-16 16:39:41 UTC)
2006 Les Caillerets 1er Cru
92/100
OK, so this is young to drink and needs some aromatic development but it is such a well built wine. I enjoyed it thoroughly from start to finish.
We always like to see active members. What region are you a fan of? Here in Monterey County our “flagship” is Merlot!
2006 Comtes Lafon Volnay Champans
(2010-02-15 23:00:21 UTC)
2006 Comtes Lafon Volnay Champans
89/100
A lovely and classic red Burgundy. A surprising amount of red fruit, like ripe red raspberry with a bit of cranberry. Lovely nose, and subtle elegance in the mouthfeel. A bit uncomplicated, but clean, pure, and fresh.
Syrah
With some of the most palatable diversity of many red grapes, Syrah is incredible to work with. Savory and fruity, what more could you want!
2004 Hyde de Villaine Wines
(2010-02-10 15:39:28 UTC)
2004 Hyde de Villaine Wines
95/100
This is a lovely Chardonnay and aging well. The flavors have expanded from its youth with ripe peach, apricot, hints of honey and minerality. Great mouthfeel, rich but balanced by healthy acidity.
1992 Henri Bonneau
(2010-02-09 20:35:41 UTC)
1992 Henri Bonneau
93/100
A beautifully aged Chateauneuf with questionable life left. Yummy notes of cedar and dried meats. It reminded me of some dried boar sausage I had in Alsace a few years back. Fuller in the mouth than expecting, with solid structure.
K_is_for_Kate
Michael Kopanski
ecola
Dina Nishioka
Billions Bliss
Jared Hackler
(2010-03-18 16:32:36 UTC)