Welcome to the latest installment of The Week in Zinfandel. If I missed your post or story please send me a link and I will be sure to include it next week. Cheers!
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
Guadagni Bros. Vineyard is in the Dry Creek Valley and was planted over 100 years ago.
Violet in color. 15% ABV. 60% Petite Sirah and 40% Zinfandel. Huge nose of black fruits, dark chocolate, iron and baking spices. Medium body with light to medium acidity. Plush and unctuous with great texture and mouthfeel. Blackberry compote, raspberries and a touch of black pepper on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Not quite on par with the traditional Dehlinger wines but fun to drink nonetheless. Best over the next few years.
My rating: 90 points.
This particular bottling was a one off and has not been made again in recent years. I do hope to see more of these from Dehlinger in the years to come.
Dehlinger Winery has a great reputation among wine connoisseurs. Wine writers have consistently given strong reviews while praising the winery for its uniqueness, quality, consistency and value. About 75% of their wine is sold via the mailing list. Amazing wines that are well worth the search.
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The initial vines were planted in 1975 and followed by subsequent plantings through 1989. A special 3.5-acre plot of Pinot Noir was planted in 1982 around the original octagon-shaped house on the top of the property. This site is referred to as Octagon Vineyard. The 900-square-foot eight-sided house was built in 1975-76. The house on Octagon Hill has become a Russian River Valley landmark.
Light red in color. 14.8% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, damp forest floor, cloves and sarsaparilla. Complex and elegant with amazing texture. Light to medium body with perfect acidity. Strawberries, cranberries, baking spices and a touch of fresh mint on the palate. The finish is long and seamless. Gorgeous Pinot Noir. Drink over the next few years.
My rating: 93 points.
Dehlinger Winery has a great reputation among wine connoisseurs. Wine writers have consistently given strong reviews while praising the winery for its uniqueness, quality, consistency and value. About 75% of their wine is sold via the mailing list. Amazing wines that are well worth the search.
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The initial vines were planted in 1975 and followed by subsequent plantings through 1989.
Garnet in color. 14.9% ABV. Showstopping nose of red fruits, cloves, baking spices and pine needle. Medium body with nice acidity and perfect balance. Texture and mouth feel reminiscent of the very best Dehlinger Pinots. Cherries, strawberries, earth and a bit of cola on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. One of the very best Dehlinger Pinot Noirs in recent memory. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 95 points.
Dehlinger Winery has a great reputation among wine connoisseurs. Wine writers have consistently given strong reviews while praising the winery for its uniqueness, quality, consistency and value. About 75% of their wine is sold via the mailing list. Amazing wines that are well worth the search.
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The initial vines were planted in 1975 and followed by subsequent plantings through 1989.
Light magenta in color. 14.8% ABV. Fragrant nose of black fruits, cloves, nutmeg and mushrooms. Medium body with perfect acidity. Black cherry, pomegranate, cranberry and baking spices on the palate. The finish is long, rich and plush. Just a tremendous Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and everything I expect from Dehlinger. The bar is set high for Dehlinger and this is just more proof that they have hit their stride again after some sub par vintages in the mid 2000’s. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Dehlinger Winery has a great reputation among wine connoisseurs. Wine writers have consistently given strong reviews while praising the winery for its uniqueness, quality, consistency and value. About 75% of their wine is sold via the mailing list. Amazing wines that are well worth the search.
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The initial vines were planted in 1975 and followed by subsequent plantings through 1989.
Light red in color. 14.5% ABV. Fabulous nose of red fruits, cloves and baking spices. Medium body with bright, racy acidity. Cherries, cranberries, pomegranate and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and seamless. Gorgeous Pinot Noir and better than the last bottle I had several years ago. In a perfect place to drink now.
My rating: 94 points.
Dehlinger Winery has a great reputation among wine connoisseurs. Wine writers have consistently given strong reviews while praising the winery for its uniqueness, quality, consistency and value. About 75% of their wine is sold via the mailing list. Amazing wines that are well worth the search.
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The initial vines were planted in 1975 and followed by subsequent plantings through 1989.
Pitch red in color. 14.9% ABV. Sublime nose of black fruits, grilled meats and iron. Medium to full body with strong acidity. Plush and decadent with an old world flair. Cherries, olives, saline and game on the palate. The finish is stunning. Super Syrah from what I usually consider a challenging vintage for Dehlinger. Drink over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 93 points.
Dehlinger Winery has a great reputation among wine connoisseurs. Wine writers have consistently given strong reviews while praising the winery for its uniqueness, quality, consistency and value. About 75% of their wine is sold via the mailing list. Amazing wines that are well worth the search.
The October installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2008 Pinot Noir from California and Oregon. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. I plan on opening the winning bottle this coming weekend and will publish a Bottle Note shortly thereafter.
2008 was an exceptional vintage in Oregon. Dry weather in September and October allowed vintners to pick their grapes at the optimal time. The vintage was more challenging in Northern California with extreme weather and vast wildfires.
The Contenders:
2008 Thomas Pinot Noir – Vivid ruby-red. An intriguing, highly aromatic bouquet evokes red and dark berries, cherry, sassafras and smoky Indian spices, with a slow-mounting floral element. Juicy, penetrating redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors gain sweetness with air and pick up floral, game and herbal nuances. A lively mineral quality adds lift and cut to the sweet, strikingly persistent finish, which shows a hint of dusty tannins. Displays excellent complexity already but this wine has a stellar track record for aging. 94 points from Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar.
2008 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard – Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed bouquet displays red berries, potpourri and star anise. Michael Browne told me that he used a lot of whole clusters this year “to increase the spiciness. The fruit is always powerful and I wanted to bring an extra dimension.” Pliant, juicy red fruit flavors are complicated by notes of cinnamon and spicecake, with slow-building smokiness. Finishes with refreshing tangy cut and a strong echo of raspberry. 92 points from Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar.
2008 Dehlinger Pinot Noir – The flagship Pinot, the 2008 Pinot Noir Estate, comes from the finest hilltop parcels in his beautiful Russian River vineyard. Its dense plum/ruby color is followed by a perfumed nose of forest floor, and sweet black raspberries, black cherries and plums intermixed with a hint of Asian spice. Fleshy and medium to full-bodied with silky tannins, good acidity and purity, it demonstrates a commitment to intelligent winemaking. These wines are never over-oaked or extreme in any fashion. The 2008 Pinot Noirs continue Dehlinger’s nearly unbroken record of success with Pinot that started in the mid-seventies. The ever reliable Tom Dehlinger continues to turn out some of the most fairly priced wine in all of California. 93 points from the Wine Advocate.
Thanks for voting! I’d love to see a comment below on why you picked one bottle over another. Also, let me know if you have any suggestions for the November installment of Pick My Next Bottle.
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The initial vines were planted in 1975 and followed by subsequent plantings through 1989.
Pop and pour. Purple in color. 14.9% ABV. Blue fruits, pepper and game on the nose. Lush and extracted with great texture. Flavors of blueberry, blackberry, soy and black pepper. The finish lingers and leaves you wanting another sip. The structure is here such that this will age well for another several years.
My rating: 92 points.
Dehlinger Winery has a great reputation among wine connoisseurs. Wine writers have consistently given strong reviews while praising the winery for its uniqueness, quality, consistency and value. About 75% of their wine is sold via the mailing list. Amazing wines that are well worth the search.
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The initial vines were planted in 1975 and followed by subsequent plantings through 1989.
Light crimson in color. Almost translucent. 14.9% ABV. Pure nose of red fruits, cloves and earth. Medium body with perfect acidity. Super clean on the palate with flavors of cherries, cranberries, strawberries and spice. The finish is long and seamless. Drink over the next 2-3 years. This bottle was a relief after after some problematic bottles from ’04 and ’05. Special wine. Everything I love about Dehlinger.
My rating: 94 points.
Dehlinger Winery has a great reputation among wine connoisseurs. Wine writers have consistently given strong reviews while praising the winery for its uniqueness, quality, consistency and value. About 75% of their wine is sold via the mailing list. Amazing wines that are well worth the search.
Loading ...
