89+ 2009 Dehlinger Claret (Russian River Valley) 12/17/16 ($40)
14.9% alc
Color: Deep red garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Sweet red cassis and black cherry, subtle dusty earth, menthol and toasted cedar. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent fruit and acidity, smooth tannins underneath. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, fruit is not totally open yet. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but shows some bitterness here. (2.5)
Overall: Not quite as balanced as the '08, but still a tasty cool climate Cabernet. Like the '08, more acidity than tannin driven with elegant fruit, subtle dusty earth and cedar. Drinks surprisely young for 7, with all the flavors not yet integrated on day 1, but more harmonious on day 2. Can be drunk now if decanted, but should improve in the next 2-4 years. (14.5)
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