2005 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Estate
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Previously recommended, but no tasting note given. Exceptionally high quality as well as remarkably fair prices are the signature characteristics of one of California’s longtime, highly respected wine mavens, Tom Dehlinger. His Chardonnays continue to improve with each vintage. In the challenging year of 2006, he has had no problems with either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Dehlinger’s Pinot Noirs are essentially made from the Pommard clone, Dijon Clone 777, and the California Heritage clone known as Martini. Tom Dehlinger turns out two wines from Bordeaux varietals. One always thinks of Russian River for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Syrah rather than for Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the original Rhone Rangers, Tom Dehlinger fashions two Syrahs. Tel. (707) 823-2378; Fax (707) 823-0918
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright red. Assertively perfumed, spicy nose features bright raspberry and cherry scents accented by orange peel and incense. Soft and sappy, offering energetic red berry flavors, silky texture and impressive mineral lift. Becomes more tangy on the finish, which delivers solid flavor punch with no loose ends or excess fat. The vibrancy of the fruit here is striking.