2005 Dehlinger Claret

Dehlinger’s outstanding, opaque purple-hued 2005 Claret is a 560-case cuvee of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of graphite, tobacco leaf, black currants, and cedar emerge from this medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, consumer-friendly, serious, complex red. It should drink beautifully for 10-15 years. Exceptionally high quality as well as remarkably fair prices are the signature characteristics of one of California’s longtime, highly respected wine mavens, Tom Dehlinger. His Chardonnays continue to improve with each vintage. In the challenging year of 2006, he has had no problems with either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Dehlinger’s Pinot Noirs are essentially made from the Pommard clone, Dijon Clone 777, and the California Heritage clone known as Martini. Tom Dehlinger turns out two wines from Bordeaux varietals. One always thinks of Russian River for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Syrah rather than for Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the original Rhone Rangers, Tom Dehlinger fashions two Syrahs. Tel. (707) 823-2378; Fax (707) 823-0918