2014 Dehlinger, Rose of Pinot Noir, Estate, Russian River Valley.
Here’s a super fun wine from Dehlinger, a smooth Pinot Noir Rose that has nice dry Pinot fruit and is wonderfully textured. From estate vines in the Russian River the rare Dehlinger pink, with some 2 or 3 barrels made, is a bright and flavorful Rose with tangy/sour cherry, strawberry and watermelon fruits up front along with sweet herbs, rose water, a hint of mixed spices, nutmeg/cinnamon, a late burst of citrus and red peach. There’s not a lot of mineral or brisk intensity that you’d find in more purist examples, but that is certainly not a complaint as this fine Rose is very lush and pleasing on the palate with a lovely silky feel and the fruit is focused and lingering without being too fruity or flabby, this was well crafted and is a super addition to Dehlinger’s already impressive lineup. This highly quaffable pink is a very hard find, but worth the search, as only 15 to 20 cases are going to hit retail locations. This Rose is medium dark with vivid hues and looks terrific in the glass and has enough natural acidity to be seriously refreshing, but with enough rich, almost decadent, to be good with a full menu, this would be perfect with 4th of July parings, drink now and greedily!
($20 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
