Developed over two days, no decant. Better day two, speaking to longevity. Elegant in style, not a big cab by any description but has a nice core of black fruit with hints of red fruit and barley any tannin. Will drink for a while.
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Consistent with our note 2 1/2 years ago. This is well integrated, no sign of green, and there is still presence of sweet oak. Quite enjoyable over three nights.
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Perfect companion to t-bone steak with shiitakes, shallot and blue cheese. Rich and rewarding, and I didn't pick up as much of the vegetal notes others seemed to--maybe some eucalyptus. Good backbone and spice.
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I generally love this wine, but this one had a substantial green-ness and herbal streak that completely dominated. In my experience, this has been a ripe vintage for cabs, maybe less so in delinger's unicorn cab plantings in the outer RRV. I will call this a-typical for the Claret. Maybe I should have decanted, but figured this would be ready to go after 8 years.
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Vanilla, oak with herbal green streak and eucalyptus on the nose. Wine improved through the evening with more time out of the bottle. Tannins evident on the palate.
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Vanilla, oak with herbal green streak and eucalyptus on the nose. Wine improved through the evening with more time out of the bottle. Tannins evident on the palate.
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I think this is not at its prime and I think the CT window closing date of 2017 is quite a bit off. I have two left and I will try to leave them alone until 2020. I guess I was surprised to see the drinking window as 2012-2017 for a Dehlinger Claret. Perhaps starting in 2017:). The Claret is, by far, my favorite Dehlinger and the one I try to continue to buy as I do my best to get away from lists. But it is hard to say no to the Claret.
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Consistent with our prior notes, except we are not getting the green now; instead sweet oak predominates. Too much so. Still, pas mal, for what it is, over three nights. I do think this might go pretty well with spicy middle eastern foods.
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One of my favorite small production wineries and first time having the claret. The nose is very pleasing with hints of oak, courant, and blackberries which is to be expected since a claret is a California Boudreaux blend. On the palate the wine is dry but soft and the courant and berry notes come forward but not too much. The tannins have softened nicely so the wine is very approachable. Very nice!
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The notes below are in line with our recent experience over two nights, gassed and refrigerated in between. There is a green and herbal edge, but that's ok with us. On the third night we decided to use the rest for a sauce.
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Took to a Persian dinner at neighbors. Wasn't sure what to expect here but this was really good. Raves from most of table. Yes its got a touch of green pepper and a minty profile but I liked this. It also had an interesting blueberry component shining through. Very Bordeaux like overall. Far from the typical Napa fruit bomb but very interesting if you are into this style. I'm going on the high side with a 92. Also I think this is ready to drink, can certainly go longer but I wasn't getting the harsh tannins mentioned by some.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Vanilla, oak with herbal green streak and eucalyptus on the nose. Wine improved through the evening with more time out of the bottle. Tannins evident on the palate. Should smooth out over the next couple of years.
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This bottle was taken to a restaurant, where it was essentially popped and poured. Although the light was dim, there was no mistaking that this wine is deep-to-opaque ruby in color. Black currants, anise, mint and eucalyptus characterize the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, fresh and has nicely integrated alcohol (despite being listed as 14.9%). The flavors mirror the nose and are guarded by substantial gritty tannins. The middle palate is solid and the finish, while lengthy, shows some tannic grip. This wine is simply not yet ready. Time in the cellar should smooth out the tannins and also give the wine some complexity. That said, I am somewhat concerned about the strong herbal element, an "issue" which will not resolve with cellaring. Drink now-2022.
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Another fabulous bottle of Dehlinger. The herbal notes that were a little dominant 9 months ago seem to have integrated nicely and this is headed in a really nice direction. This wine is a super buy - who else prices their Cab south of the Pinots? Great producer, great bottling.
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It's always a little strange to see "Russian River Valley" and Claret on the label. And I think of Dehlinger as primarily a Pinot Noir producer. But you know what? I think their Claret might be the best value in their lineup.
However at this point in time, I think the bay leaf and eucalyptus notes are just a little more prominent than I'd like them vs. the fruit. If that resolves over time this could rise to the 93-94 point range for me. But for now it's just not quite there. Love the overall style though.
Drink between 2014 and 2017.
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From memory, pop and pour. Vanilla oak with an herbal green streak on the nose. Tasty and reasonably complex palate, with good material but not well integrated at the moment.
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4/22/2023 - Xxxxxxxxxx Likes this wine: 92 Points
Developed over two days, no decant. Better day two, speaking to longevity. Elegant in style, not a big cab by any description but has a nice core of black fruit with hints of red fruit and barley any tannin. Will drink for a while.
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6/7/2020 - dave kammerer Likes this wine: 90 Points
excellent, perfect balance, fine tannins still the right amount of fruit.
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11/8/2019 - rosenst1 wrote: 91 Points
PnP. Deep red. Not particularly forthcoming on the nose but lovely texture with completely resolved tannins on the palate. Nice wine at age 10.
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3/25/2018 - Deux Chevaux wrote:
Consistent with our note 2 1/2 years ago. This is well integrated, no sign of green, and there is still presence of sweet oak. Quite enjoyable over three nights.
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8/17/2017 - yatchisin Likes this wine: 89 Points
Perfect companion to t-bone steak with shiitakes, shallot and blue cheese. Rich and rewarding, and I didn't pick up as much of the vegetal notes others seemed to--maybe some eucalyptus. Good backbone and spice.
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7/24/2017 - blaine wrote: 87 Points
I generally love this wine, but this one had a substantial green-ness and herbal streak that completely dominated. In my experience, this has been a ripe vintage for cabs, maybe less so in delinger's unicorn cab plantings in the outer RRV. I will call this a-typical for the Claret. Maybe I should have decanted, but figured this would be ready to go after 8 years.
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12/13/2016 - SeaSmoke wrote: 90 Points
Last bottle. Similar comments to earlier this month.
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12/2/2016 - SeaSmoke wrote: 90 Points
Vanilla, oak with herbal green streak and eucalyptus on the nose. Wine improved through the evening with more time out of the bottle. Tannins evident on the palate.
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10/15/2016 - SeaSmoke wrote: 90 Points
Similar comments to July 2016. Great nose on this wine.
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7/19/2016 - SeaSmoke wrote: 90 Points
Vanilla, oak with herbal green streak and eucalyptus on the nose. Wine improved through the evening with more time out of the bottle. Tannins evident on the palate.
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12/28/2015 - marka wrote: 88 Points
I think this is not at its prime and I think the CT window closing date of 2017 is quite a bit off. I have two left and I will try to leave them alone until 2020. I guess I was surprised to see the drinking window as 2012-2017 for a Dehlinger Claret. Perhaps starting in 2017:). The Claret is, by far, my favorite Dehlinger and the one I try to continue to buy as I do my best to get away from lists. But it is hard to say no to the Claret.
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11/28/2015 - pjhr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wonderful blackberry and cassis notes on the nose and palate with Old World complexity and soft tannins on the finish. Drinking well.
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11/14/2015 - SeaSmoke wrote: 90 Points
Similar comments to Feb. 2015. Smoother and drinking nicely.
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11/9/2015 - Deux Chevaux wrote:
Consistent with our prior notes, except we are not getting the green now; instead sweet oak predominates. Too much so. Still, pas mal, for what it is, over three nights. I do think this might go pretty well with spicy middle eastern foods.
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8/10/2015 - Gymcoach11 Likes this wine: 92 Points
One of my favorite small production wineries and first time having the claret. The nose is very pleasing with hints of oak, courant, and blackberries which is to be expected since a claret is a California Boudreaux blend. On the palate the wine is dry but soft and the courant and berry notes come forward but not too much. The tannins have softened nicely so the wine is very approachable. Very nice!
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6/10/2015 - Deux Chevaux wrote:
The notes below are in line with our recent experience over two nights, gassed and refrigerated in between. There is a green and herbal edge, but that's ok with us. On the third night we decided to use the rest for a sauce.
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4/27/2015 - Jack wrote:
Too toasty tonight. Hopefully will settle down. WaiT a couple of years before opening another.
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2/24/2015 - MJTed wrote:
Popped an poured. Still a baby but starting to shine. Delicious but restrained and structured. Wonderful QPR.
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2/20/2015 - yeti575rider wrote: 92 Points
Took to a Persian dinner at neighbors. Wasn't sure what to expect here but this was really good. Raves from most of table. Yes its got a touch of green pepper and a minty profile but I liked this. It also had an interesting blueberry component shining through. Very Bordeaux like overall. Far from the typical Napa fruit bomb but very interesting if you are into this style. I'm going on the high side with a 92. Also I think this is ready to drink, can certainly go longer but I wasn't getting the harsh tannins mentioned by some.
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2/20/2015 - SeaSmoke wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Vanilla, oak with herbal green streak and eucalyptus on the nose. Wine improved through the evening with more time out of the bottle. Tannins evident on the palate. Should smooth out over the next couple of years.
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10/11/2014 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 88 Points
This bottle was taken to a restaurant, where it was essentially popped and poured. Although the light was dim, there was no mistaking that this wine is deep-to-opaque ruby in color. Black currants, anise, mint and eucalyptus characterize the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, fresh and has nicely integrated alcohol (despite being listed as 14.9%). The flavors mirror the nose and are guarded by substantial gritty tannins. The middle palate is solid and the finish, while lengthy, shows some tannic grip. This wine is simply not yet ready. Time in the cellar should smooth out the tannins and also give the wine some complexity. That said, I am somewhat concerned about the strong herbal element, an "issue" which will not resolve with cellaring. Drink now-2022.
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3/15/2014 - plitton wrote: 83 Points
A modern style Bordeaux. Green and somewhat bitter. Lacks finesse and character.
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1/7/2014 - 2loyal Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still a little rough around the edges, and bigger than I expected, but I found it quite promising (particularly on a QPR basis) longer term.
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10/26/2013 - jtinto Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cab done Dehlinger style. That is a compliment. Highly recommended especially given the price point. Drink now or next five years. 14.9% ABV.
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3/12/2013 - RobertDwyer Likes this wine: 92 Points
Another fabulous bottle of Dehlinger. The herbal notes that were a little dominant 9 months ago seem to have integrated nicely and this is headed in a really nice direction. This wine is a super buy - who else prices their Cab south of the Pinots? Great producer, great bottling.
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2/16/2013 - briquette wrote: 91 Points
Very nice after it opened up. Frankly better than expected for Sonoma cab.
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1/9/2013 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Still a little young, will continue to improve in the bottle for several years.
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9/14/2012 - Mike Dildine wrote: 90 Points
A beautifully balanced bottle of traditionally styled (100%) cabernet, that will only improve with 2-3 years in the bottle.
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8/18/2012 - jtonglet wrote: 88 Points
Tight and earthy.
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7/15/2012 - RobertDwyer wrote: 91 Points
It's always a little strange to see "Russian River Valley" and Claret on the label. And I think of Dehlinger as primarily a Pinot Noir producer. But you know what? I think their Claret might be the best value in their lineup.
However at this point in time, I think the bay leaf and eucalyptus notes are just a little more prominent than I'd like them vs. the fruit. If that resolves over time this could rise to the 93-94 point range for me. But for now it's just not quite there. Love the overall style though.
Drink between 2014 and 2017.
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6/6/2012 - llink wrote:
From memory, pop and pour. Vanilla oak with an herbal green streak on the nose. Tasty and reasonably complex palate, with good material but not well integrated at the moment.
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3/2/2012 - Jack wrote: 88 Points
Unfortunately I didn't have time to decant and let this open up. Started out a little green and thin but came together nicely over 3 hours.
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