2007 Dehlinger Cabernet Sauvignon East Ridge

A new offering is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon East Ridge (115 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a tiny parcel planted in 1975 and pulled out after this harvest). Aged in 60% new oak for 27 months, this stunning effort is about as compelling a Russian River Cabernet Sauvignon as one will ever find. It boasts an opaque purple color along with dense creme de cassis notes intermixed with cedarwood, licorice and spice box. This unctuously textured, full-bodied, concentrated Cabernet needs 2-4 years of bottle age and should keep for 25 or more. This will be a fabulous “ringer” to put in a tasting over the coming decades. The ever reliable Tom Dehlinger continues to turn out some of the most fairly priced wine in all of California. I’m glad to see he has added a tiny quantity of rose to his portfolio. As he said, it is his first “non estate” wine in 25 years. Dehlinger’s Pinot Noirs have an enviable track record of aging well for at least a decade even in challenging vintages. One does not generally think of the Russian River area as prime Cabernet Sauvignon territory, but in certain vintages, Dehlinger’s Cabernets can be amazing. Moreover, they sell for about 50% less than comparable Cabernets from Napa Valley. Tel. (707) 823-2378; Fax (707) 823-0918