2009 Dehlinger Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay
SKU #1095586
91
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Chardonnay Estate emerges from the glass with lemon, citrus, white flowers and spices. This mid-weight, gracious wine impresses for its balance, energy and understated personality. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. I tasted a large number of wines with Tom and Eva Dehlinger, including several older wines, all of which have held up beautifully. These remain some of the most fairly priced wines in California. Tom Dehlinger describes 2009 as a very cool Pinot vintage. Dehlinger reports that yields in 2009 are down approximately 40% because of cold weather before and during bloom. The Pinot ripened evenly, and the harvest started on September 4 as opposed to late August, which is more typical in these sites, once known for their similarly early-maturing apples. In 2009 Dehlinger bottled his High Plains Pinot separately rather than blending it into the Altamont, which is frequently the case, as it is again in 2010. Rains during the harvest were trickier for the later-ripening Syrah, which wasn’t picked until October 20. Elegance and freshness are the hallmarks of the 2009 Syrahs, which stand in stark contrast to the riper, more concentrated 2008s. Vintage 2010 is another story completely. The Pinot harvest was even later than in 2009, and didn’t get started until September 22. In 2009 Dehlinger has several new wines, including a Zinfandel. Dehlinger made Zinfandel from 1975 to 1983. When the opportunity arose to purchase high-quality Zinfandel and Petit Sira
(2/ 2012)
91
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright gold. Complex scents of lemon curd, orange, sweet butter and lees, along with a smoky quality. Juicy, finely etched citrus and floral flavors are complemented by a deeper buttery nuance and bright minerality. The sharply focused, persistent finish repeats the orange and butter qualities.
(5/ 2012)
90
points
Wine Spectator
Offers rich, vivid peach, nectarine and floral scents. Pure and clean, ending with delicate melon and vanilla notes. Drink now through 2017. 1,525 cases made. (Web Only-2012)