Deep ruby color; black cherry, redcurrant, plum, cedar, baking spice, coconut, vanilla, leather, flowers on the nose and palate.
Dry; significant but sweet, silky tannins; polite, balancing acidity. Medium-full body, sensationally smooth, exceptionally inviting easy drinker with the gravitas of a premium Napa cab. This is why you pay premium prices. Exceptional wines do not flaunt themselves as exceptional wines. They effortlessly caress your palate, giving you svelte delight without demanding attention to themselves. The fruit is superior without brazingly asserting that it is superior fruit. This is the essence of restraint, sophistication, and unpretentious quality. 15.2% ABV
Despite its name, the vineyard is located on the valley floor nestled against the Mayacamas Mountains and west of St. Helena and next to the legendary Dr. Crane Vineyard. It includes 11 acres of cabernet sauvignon that yield silky tannins and rich cassis—redcurrant—pleasures.
Del Dotto is owned and run by Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto and their two children, Desiree and Giovanni. Their story begins in 1989 and over the ensuing years the family expanded holdings, procuring seven specially hand-selected vineyard sites in appellations located primarily in Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast.
The website notes: “We are known for our rich, luscious, silky smooth style of winemaking that is a common thread through all the wines made here at Del Dotto. We showcase in our caves and on our barrel tasting experiences the incredible flavors our hand selected French and American oak barrels impart onto the wines while still maximizing the terroir flavors that each single vineyard has to offer from the various appellations.”
The winery is certified as a California Sustainable Winegrower, and “although not certified, we practice organically farmed principles like no chemical sprays or fertilizers, and all weeding performed by hand or by our resident sheep. The plants are meticulously cared for by professional vineyard workers to maintain the quality of the crop that defines the Del Dotto style and reputation.”
The winery is particularly known for its barrel program. Website: “Always the trailblazer, Dave ventured so far as to develop innovative barrels such as the carved and grooved barrels and the MOFO Barrel, which consists of equal parts Missouri Oak and French Oak. The concept had never been executed before and has become one of our most desired barrel types. In fact, Del Dotto was also the first winery to bottle wines directly out of individual barrels, providing our visitors with a unique tasting experience highlighting the varied flavor nuances oak can provide to a premium wine.”
Del Dotto Vineyards St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Block 2, Napa Valley 2019 delivers elegance and embracing approachability. Smooth texture, appropriate tannins and acidity. Delightful experience of a premium Napa cab. Graceful, refined, balanced. Confident in its delicious quality, the wine does not need to brusquely assert itself as a premium wine from one of the world’s top cabernet sauvignon sites.
Pairing—grilled or roasted beef is classic; grilled ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon; grilled steaks with coffee rubs or peppercorn crusts; charcoal-grilled meats; barbecue, slow-cooked brisket. Rack of lamb, roasted leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic; braised lamb shanks with red reductions. Duck breast; venison, elk, wild boar. Reflecting Del Dotto’s Italian heritage, rich Mediterranean dishes; braised short ribs in red wine, osso buco, wild boar ragu. Mushroom risotto. Thin-crust pizza with proscuitto, wild mushrooms. Cheese—semi-hard cheeses, aged cheddar, aged gouda, gruyère; Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (Vermont); ossau-iraty; California sheep’s milk cheese, San Andreas, Ewenique. Cheese to avoid: brie, camembert, mozzaarella, ricotta, young chèvre, pungent blue cheese. $250
