Reviews

Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve

Similar to my notes on this wine from last year when it was a barrel sample, except that this time around (from bottle) it exhibited a heavy cedar note that distracted a bit from the red and black…

Del Dotto Pinot Noir Rosé

Much like the Sauvignon Blanc, the Rose (which was also offered upon entry to the winery) would have been at least a decent sipper. But again, it was served at near-room temperature. No bueno when…

Del Dotto Pinot Noir Cinghiale Vineyard

A decent Pinot that exhibited some nice dark red cranberry, raspberry, bramble, cedar, and sassafras notes. Not terribly interesting, but had a notable frame and acidic structure that was a welcome…

Del Dotto Sauvignon Blanc

Resembling a comparatively lighter, less tropical version of the domestic varietal, this wine exhibited fairly typical yellow and white stone fruit notes. An agreeable SB, but not one that…

Del Dotto Chardonnay Family Reserve Cinghiale Vineyard

Similar to the standard 2015 Chardonnay except that the Reserve showed more focus and direction. A little less giving than the standard Chardonnay, with more restrained fruit flavors; some white…

Del Dotto Chardonnay Cinghiale Vineyard

A very well done domestic Chardonnay. I much preferred this to the 2014 version I had last year. This 2015 was ripe and voluptuous, with signature yellow fruit, popcorn, vanilla, and lemon curd…

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon 9 Oaks 36 Month French Select Block 2 St. Helena Mountain

Surprisingly accessible and overall a well done, top shelf expression of Napa Cabernet. As good or better as the 2014 equivalent barrel sample tried at the winery's Barrels & Beasts a few months…

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Connoisseurs Series Allier French Oak Gamba Block 2

Notes of black berry fruit, dark plum, and cedar. Smooth and drinking well now; looks to be at the apex or just on the beginning downturn of its optimum drinking window. The cedar note became more…

Del Dotto Dolores

Typical Port with a stewed plum and brandy-like vanilla bean and chocolate note. Not too rich, sweet, or syrupy (which was a good thing). Paired well with the dessert.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Connoiseur's Series Centre French Oak Sylvain Vineyard 887 Family Reserve St. Helena

Barrel sample tasted in the cave.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon BDB French Oak Connoisseurs Series SO/NO

Dusty cedar, red and black currant, and plum. This started to become fruity fairly rapidly. The intensity was good, but the plushness of this wine was a little distracting. Tasted more like an…

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Lot M Orion French Oak

Barrel sample tasted in the cave.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon BDB French Oak Connoisseurs Series SO/NO

Served from a 12L Balthazar bottle. This was the best of the three wines when compared to its 2013 and 2014 siblings.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Lot ST Lumiere Saury French Oak

Tasted at the main bar.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon BDB French Oak Connoisseurs Series SO/NO

Red/black currant, mulch, and cedar. The least interesting of its 2012 and 2014 siblings. This one lacked the dusty finish that would have held a little more interest for me had it shown a little…

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard 887 St. Helena

Tasted at the main bar.

Del Dotto The David Napa Valley

I had this again after having it at the bar earlier. Same notes except for the fact that I noticed a bit more cedar this time around. Still, a wine that was overshadowed by some of the other…

Del Dotto The David Napa Valley

Tasted at the main bar.

Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Connoisseurs' Series MGX Style Nevers & Allier Alain Fouquet

Red currant, heavy cedar, earth, and some clove. A nice sprinkling of dust added interest and elevated this wine somewhat. 91-92 points.

Del Dotto Chardonnay Cinghiale Vineyard

Served fairly chilled (close to refrigerator temperature), which muted the flavors initially. Warmed up a little in the glass to reveal pleasant notes of lemon citrus, pear, wet stone, and faint…

Del Dotto Pinot Noir Family Reserve Cinghiale Vineyard

Red, blue, and black fruit, dark black and red raspberry, earth/loam, and some wood. A little mellow overall, with a round, plush mouthfeel. But again, what made this wine was the food paired with it.

Del Dotto Rosé Sonoma Coast

Notes of watermelon, strawberry, and rhubarb. Light and straightforward. Not overly watery or too thin; mid-palate was light-to-medium bodied, filling in somewhat on the back end. Acidity was…

Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve

Very notable depth of flavor. Just a nice hit of cedar and spice to add to the red and black berry notes. The wine was indeed "good," but what really elevated this was the food it was paired with.…

Del Dotto Chardonnay Family Reserve Cinghiale Vineyard

A very fine example of the varietal. The difference between this wine and the standard Chardonnay was indeed noticeable. Deeper, richer, and with a pleasant viscosity that coated the palate. Notes of…

Del Dotto Sauvignon Blanc Caves

A nice, refreshing SB. Straightforward and crisp. Some notes of melon, quince, lemon, and some stone.