United States · California

Donelan

Donelan Family Wines was founded in 2006 by Joe Donelan, a Sonoma County investor who began making wine with winemaker Tyler Thomas. The label focuses on single-vineyard Syrah and Chardonnay from Sonoma County's cool-climate sites. Obsidian Syrah, sourced from a volcanic-soil vineyard in Bennett Valley, is the flagship and most frequently traded at auction with 49 lots at an average of $72. Syrah Keltie, from Knights Valley, averages $80 across 14 lots; Nancie Chardonnay averages $38 across 8 lots. At auction, 141 lots have traded at an average of $72, ranging from $16 to $279. Donelan's wines receive consistent critical attention in the 91-95 range, and Obsidian Syrah has been highlighted by writers covering California's Syrah renaissance. Production is limited to around 2,000-3,000 cases annually. The $279 ceiling likely reflects magnums or highly scored vintages of Obsidian or Keltie.

Obsidian Syrah, sourced from volcanic basalt soils in Bennett Valley, is the portfolio's flagship: 49 auction lots averaging $72 per bottle, with scores typically in the 92-95 range.

Donelan produces approximately 2,000-3,000 cases annually across all bottlings, with limited distribution ensuring auction is a key secondary channel for each vineyard-designate.

Keltie Syrah from Knights Valley averages $80 — higher than Obsidian — reflecting both lower production volume and the rocky, well-drained Knights Valley soils' quality reputation.

The Kobler Family Viognier is co-fermented with select Syrah lots, a Northern Rhone practice that adds aromatic lift and color stability to the estate's red wines.

Auction Lots

141

Avg Price / Bottle

$72

Top Vintage

2009

Price Range

$16 – $279

In the Glass

Cool-climate Sonoma Syrah defined by volcanic and rocky soil influence: black olive, smoked meat, violets, cracked pepper, and dark cherry with savory, iron-mineral depth. Bennett Valley fruit shows graphite and herbal lift; Knights Valley adds more concentration and dark plum. Chardonnay is fermented with native yeasts in older barrels, producing a leaner, mineral style with citrus and orchard fruit rather than tropical richness.

Portfolio

Wine	Colour	Avg Price	Lots Sold	Top Vintage
Obsidian Syrah	Red	$72	49	2009
Syrah Keltie	Red	$80	14	2009
Nancie Chardonnay	Red	$38	8	2014
Kobler Family Viognier	White	$70	7	2021

Donelan is based in the California wine region.

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