2011 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Altamont Vineyard

Dehlinger's 2011 Pinot Noir Altamont Vineyard is both more nuanced and also more structured than the Goldridge. A classic Russian River Pinot, the Altamont offers plenty of suppleness and pure texture. Rose petals, violets, crushed rocks and new leather all add layers of further dimension. This is a striking Pinot with tons of personality.

The 2011 Pinot Noir Altamont achieved good ripeness before the damaging rains hit. Revealing a light medium ruby color, it offers up lots of sweet black cherry and wild strawberry fruit intermixed with spice and earth notes. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a medium to full-bodied, lush palate with crisp acidity. It should drink well for 4-7 years. (Not yet released) 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

In 2011, the Pinot Noir Altamont Vineyard has more volume and breadth than the Goldridge. Rich, sumptuous and pretty, the Altamont graces the palate with expressive black fruits and a layered personality. All the elements fall into the right place. The seamless, beautifully integrated finish is impossible to resist.