2002 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Old Vine Reserve
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Tasting notes
(from the estate's oldest vines and the driest site on the property) Good red-ruby color. Aromas of plum, currant, licorice and earth, with good lift; combines the best traits of the Estate and Octagon releases. Then broad, dry and ripe in the mouth, with soil-driven flavors of smoke, spices, mint and herbs. Not hugely fruity but builds nicely toward the back end, finishing with ripe, horizontal tannins and excellent length. The most complex of this set of 2002 pinots.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Certainly the most backward of these wines is the 2002 Pinot Noir Old Vine Reserve (190 cases). About 15% stems were used in making this wine, which comes from a vineyard planted in 1975. Copious gamey, briery, berry fruit is present along with hints of forest floor, but the sweet cherry, strawberry, and framboise liqueur-like notes in the aromas and flavors dominate. Good acidity gives the wine a firmness, and no doubt the higher use of stems gives the wine more Burgundian, floral, earthy characteristics. This wine should be at its best between 2007 and 2014. Tel. (707) 823-2378; Fax (707) 823-0918