2011 Dehlinger Syrah Altamont
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Tasting notes
Opaque ruby. Sexy, high-pitched black and blue fruit aromas are complemented by smoky Indian spices and potpourri. Supple and expansive on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of licorice. Firms up slowly on the finish, which features silky tannins and suave floral character. I'll bet that this fruit-driven syrah will be at its peak somewhere around its sixth or seventh birthday.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Syrah Altamont is much more polished than the Goldridge. Exotic and beguiling from the first taste, the 2011 presents an attractive tapestry of aromas and flavors. Dark red stone fruits, pomegranate, orange peel and savory herbs take on exotic shades of expression in a layered Syrah long on pure class and personality. The aromatics are nicely lifted, adding to an impression of finesse. The Altamont was picked three days after the Goldridge, which also helps explain why the tannin is a bit gentler.
The richly fruity, deep ruby/purple-colored, somewhat superficial 2011 Syrah Altamont displays notes of camphor and cassis along with moderate concentration and an easy-going finish. It should drink well for 4-5 years. 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