2006 Dehlinger Syrah Estate
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Tasting notes
The dense purple-colored 2006 Syrah Estate exhibits lots of peppery, meaty, blackberry, and cassis fruit notes, a hint of road tar, an opulent, fleshy mouthfeel, and impressive intensity as well as purity. Dehlinger’s Syrahs are aged in 500 liter pungeons as opposed to smaller barrrels. Tom Dehlinger is “consistently consistent,” and his wines are always a delight to taste. When you combine that with fair pricing and remarkable humility, this estate merits (and receives) strong support from wine consumers. Dehlinger’s 2007 Pinot Noirs may be the finest he has produced since the mid-nineties (his 1994s are still holding on to life). In his quiet manner, Tom Dehlinger continues to turn out very fine Syrahs, and deserves credit for being one of the pioneers with Rhone Ranger varietals. Tel. (707) 823-2378; Fax (707) 823-0918
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Inky purple. Classic syrah scents of cassis, black raspberry, violet, smoke and olive tapenade. Sharply focused red and dark berry flavors are complicated by cracked pepper and candied flowers, with supple tannins adding support. The floral note gains strength on the pure, sweetly persistent finish. This energetic wine is delicious now but I'd give it at least another three years of aging.