2010 Dehlinger Syrah Frei Road
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Tasting notes
Made from fruit purchased from the Martinelli-owned Zio Tony Ranch, Dehlinger’s Syrah Frei Road cuvees are the darkest, most impressively saturated of these Syrahs. The sensational, dense ruby/purple-hued, full-bodied 2010 Syrah Frei Road reveals copious notes of blackberries, spring flowers and blue fruits. It cuts a broad swath across the palate, so enjoy it over the next 5-7 years as well. The ever reliable Tom Dehlinger continues to turn out realistically priced wines of exceptionally high quality. Their newest offerings, the Altamont Pinot Noir and Syrah, come from a hilltop vineyards planted in gravelly red soils previously called “Estate.” The Frei Road Syrah emanates from a 2.5-acre block of what was the Martinelli-owned Zio Tony Ranch. Dehlinger has never been one to utilize a tremendous amount of new oak for their Chardonnay program, and both the 2010 and 2011 Estate Chardonnays reflect that. Tel. (707) 823-2378
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Syrah Frei Road is an infant. The wine closes down quickly in the glass, but not before showing glimpses of its ultimate potential. Vibrant and intense, the 2010 is clearly built on a core of bright, delineated veins of acidity. Black fruit, violets and white pepper are some of the nuances that make an appearance, but ultimately the 2010 is a wine of energy and steeliness. It should be pure magic in another few years' time. This is another great showing from Tom and Eva Dehlinger.