2006 Dehlinger Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 1,300 cases, $48. A blend from three of the four hilltop locations (omitting the High Plains). · Still very young and unyielding. Swirling the wine brings out scents of earthy dark red fruits, smoke and dark mocha. Richly fruited with a moderate tug of dry tannin. The earthiness of the wine trumps the fruit at this stage. After 2 hours, the wine begins to blossom with expanding flavors of savory fruit and a touch of spice. A wine to cellar for now, knowing but that it has tremendous future potential. Reviewed September 19, 2009

Winery: Del Dotto Vineyards
From article: DEHLINGER: Russian River Valley Stalwart