2008 Dehlinger Claret

The 2008 Claret (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a gorgeous wine. Blackberries, cassis, graphite, spices and menthol are some of the nuances that emerge from the glass. The wine shows terrific intensity all the way through to the finish. The tannins could use another year to soften, but this is nevertheless an impressive showing. In 2008 the Claret includes fruit from one of the estate's oldest parcels, originally planted in 1975. According to Tom Dehlinger during blending trials this juice didn't seem to fit in with the Cabernet, so it was used for the Claret. I am not sure if its inclusion is the reason why, but the Claret is absolutely gorgeous in 2008. This is a beautiful wine for the money and easily one of the top values in California Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bright ruby. Highly aromatic nose combines red- and blackcurrant, dried flowers and pipe tobacco, plus a hint of mocha. Sappy and precise, offering gently sweet red and dark berry flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Shows good depth of flavor with no excess fat. The gently tannic finish offers very good clarity and an echoing blackcurrant note. Dehlinger told me that all of the fruit that normally goes into his East Ridge bottling was included in this year's Claret.