94
points
Dehlinger 1998 Syrah (Russian River Valley)
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$35
Hoo-boy, was the Dehlinger a tasting panel-pleaser. A "complete wine" that "should drink well from now until 2010," it has loads of spice and black-pepper aromas (plus earth, cocoa and graham cracker) and a full, even mouthfeel. Meaty, mixed-berry flavors on the palate are even more complex with dried spices, andise and saddle-leather accents. Finishes long, tart…
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
92
points
Dehlinger 1998 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
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$30
Deep pineapple and orange fruit is wrapped in a deep, toasty oak envelope in this Russian River classic. There are complex nutty, leesy, burnt sugar and even vaguely meaty notes on the nose. These open to a big-bodied but earthy and stony palate where bright, citrusy fruit and vanilla accents also vie for attention. Tightly wound, the burnt-toast and mineral finish…
— W.E.
(7/1/2001)