DEHLINGER PINOT NOIR - 2008

California Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley with 14.9% alcohol.


TASTING NOTES:


Black cherry and raspberry upfront with blackberry, oak, mocha, plum and concentrated jam and spice on the mid-palate.  Silky smooth, very balanced, good acidity.


SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:


93 PTS
A very well-made wine that was named #5 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 List.  The most impressive aspects of this wine are its balance (at nearly 15%, the alcohol is barely present) and oak (wonderfully integrated).  Stylistically, I can't say this wine rises to the top for me, as I tend to prefer a Pinot with more vibrant acidity.