Featured Producer & Wine (s) on Rick's WineSite Journal

Producer:
DEL DOTTO Vineyards

Appellation:
Rutherford, Napa Valley

Featured Wine (s):
Caves Blend, Connoisseur Series, 'David' Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Giovani's Tuscan Reserve,  Merlot, Sangiovese,

Website:
http://www.deldottovineyards.com

DEL DOTTO's were featured winemakers at our

Napa Wine Experience 99

Barrels and Beef Extravaganza 2002

Napa Wine Experience 2003. 

See Del Dotto Family Vineyards Label Library
Del Dotto St Helena Sangiovese 1999 label on McNees.org/winesite
Del Dotto Connoisseur Series 'D' Barrell Magnum label Del Dotto Napa Valley Connoisseur Series Cabernet Sauvignon Troncais French Oak 2001 label Del Dotto Napa Valley Conneussier Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 magnum label Del Dotto Connoisseur Series Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Minnesota American Oak 2001 label Del Dotto Napa Valley Connoisseur's Series Bertranges French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 label
Del Dotto Napa Valley Connoisseur's Series Cabernet Sauvignon Juppilles French Oak Magnum 2000 Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 label Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve Label 1997 on McNees Winesite Del Dotto tasting flight - 97 cabernet franc & Sangiovese Marsannay 2k
 
Journal entries: Date, Wine, Rating, Price, Comments
Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve Label 1997 on McNees Winesite  September 3, 2010 - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve 1997 - RM 89 - Medium body - slight earthiness starting to show age but a couple years life left - slightly tart black cherry fruit, spice, moderate silky tannins on a pleasant finish. Consistent with earlier tasting notes. Tasted w/ L and Sean at Angelis. http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=35492
Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 July 1, 2010  - Del Dotto Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 - Starting to show a hint of age but lots of life left in this fifteen year old - spicy toasty oak predominates the taste accented by spicy black cherry, berry, plum and hint of vanilla , with smooth polished well-integrated tannins on a long complex finish. Cabernet Sauvignon 90% Merlot 5% Cabernet Franc 5% Barrel Aged for 27 Months 100% New French & American Oak http://cellartracker.com/w?890767 Del Dotto were featured producers of our Napa Wine Experience 1998, 1999, and 2003 - Tasted at at our favorite Italian Bistro Angeli's Restaurant w/ Alec serving.
 
Del Dotto Connoisseur Series Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Wine tasting flight of Ramey, Phelps Ovations chardonnays, Bernkasterl Doctor, Kracher #5 & 8 and Dow Vintage Port.		 January 30, 2010 - Gala dinner and tasting featured Del Dotto Connoisseur Series Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 -  Vintage wine aged in various oak barrels provides unique comparative tasting experience. Oak selections include Troncas French Oak, Allier French Oak, Marsannay French Oak, Colbert French Oak, Minnesota American Oak, and standard traditional Napa cab. Yes indeed, the oaks are distinguishably different from the more forward and full American, Marsannay to   more refined and polished and Troncas to a more delicate and slightly sweeter French Allier and Colbert. Great accompaniment to beef tenderloin dinner. Flourless chocolate cake accented by Dow's Vintage Port 1997. French Creme Brulee highlighted by Kracher Nouvelle Vague #5 Zweigelt TBA 1996 and Kracher Traminer #8 TBA 1998. Medley of artisanal cheeses and butter seared sea scallops in sherry tomoato and spinach sauce were accented by comparison flight of Chardonnays - Joseph Phelps Ovation Los Carneros 2004 and Ramey Hudson vineyard Carneros 2005, and Bernkasteler Doctor Mosel Ruer Sauer Kabinett Riesling 1999. Participants  and cellar selection besides hosts L and me were Dr Dan and Linda, Bill & Beth C, and Lyle and Terry F.
Del Dotto tasting flight - 97 cabernet franc & Sangiovese Marsannay 2k November 27, 2009 - Del Dotto Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 1997 - RM 92 - Floral and spice aromatics, full bodied, full silky texture, forward black berry and currant fruits accented by spice, leather and hint of cedar on a long smooth tannin finish. Del Dotto Napa Valley Sangiovese Marsannay 2000 - RM 88 Black cherry, black berry, herbs, black olive and hint of leather and spice on the moderate tannin finish. Unique one of a kind special Marsannay French oak barrel aged selection, usually reserved for Del Dotto's famous Connoisseurs Series Cabernet. Del Dotto was a featured producer in our Napa Wine Experiences. Tasted w/ L, Ryan & Michelle, Alec & Megan at Angeli's Restaurant.
Del Dotto Sangiovese Marsannay French Oak 2000 label
November 27, 2009 - Del Dotto Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 1997 - RM 92 - Floral and spice aromatics, full bodied, full silky texture, forward black berry and currant fruits accented by spice, leather and hint of cedar on a long smooth tannin finish. Del Dotto Napa Valley Sangiovese Marsannay 2000 - RM 88 Black cherry, black berry, herbs, black olive and hint of leather and spice on the moderate tannin Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Franc
finish. Unique one of a kind special Marsannay French oak barrel aged selection, usually reserved for Del Dotto's famous Connoisseurs Series Cabernet. Del Dotto was a featured producer in our Napa Wine Experiences. Tasted w/ L, Ryan & Michelle, Alec & Megan at Angeli's Restaurant.

Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve Label 1997 on McNees Winesite

 June 1, 2009 - Del Dotto Napa Valley Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve 1999 - RM 88 - Medium bodied, blackberry, black cherry fruit, leathery cedar and black tea on the moderate tannin finish. Blend of sangiovese, cabernet, merlot and petit verdot. Drank from magnum from the cellar - at Morton's Naperville with RG and AC-C and BC team. 
   

Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve Label 1997 on McNees Winesite

 May 28, 2009 - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve 1997 - RM 88 - More open and approachable than when young - medium bodied, earthy dark cherry and blackberry fruits give way to moderate tannin on the subtle oaky finish. Tasted w/ dinner at Angeli's Restaurant w/ L, Mark and Shirley.
Del Dotto The David 2000 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon label April 11, 2009  - Del Dotto "The David" Napa Valley Rutherford Estate Proprietary Red 2000 - RM 89, RP 91 - Full bodied, firm, red and black currant fruits and new oak on the front give way to a complex mix of cedar, white pepper, tobacco leaf, smoke and lead pencil shavings. - 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot , 26% Cabernet Franc. Tasted from the cellar w/ L and Erin at the Angus Barn in Raleigh. Toured their magnificent cellar, purportedly the second largest on the east coast US.
Del Dotto Napa Valley Sangiovese 1998 - March 22, 2009
Del Dotto Napa Valley Sangiovese 1998 - February 15, 2009
Holiday dinner wine flight. December 20, 2008 - Lanscom NV Brut Rose Reserve Champagne - Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 - Venge Family Reserve Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 - Matthews Cellars Yakima Valley Meritage Red Wine 1998 Holiday dinner desert wine flight
November 21, 2008 - DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Sangiovese 1998 - (RM89) $40 Del Dotto's first release of a 100% Sangiovese, grown on the mountains of Calistoga in Napa Valley. Super fruity nose with a smoky slightly earthy floral flavor - chunky fruity wine.
Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 label on McNees.org/winesite  October 14, 2008 - Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 - RM 90 - Consistent w/ previous tasting notes. RM 91 WS 85 - $65 - Big floral berry scent - big mouthful of currant, plum and berry and a hint of cassis with a long full lingering finish accented by full but soft tannins.  Tasted w/ L and Ryan BYOB at Angelis Italian Restaurant.
July 1, 2008 - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 - RM 90; Dunham Vineyards Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 - RM 89 - Amazing similarity in these wines - full firm, black fruits, black cherry, cigar box, tea and moderate tannins. Tasted with Analysts team Ted H, Skip F, and Tim G BYOB at Angelis - served by Alec.
May 30, 2008 - Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 - RM 93 WS 93 - The 99 may be the best ever Cab from our friends Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto - and winemaker Nils Venge. Its delicious! Intense dark cherry, currant and blackberry with a lingering finish - tight structured tannins and nice balance. DDO was featured in our Napa Wine Experience 2003. Tasted w/ L BYOB at Angeli's Restaurant, our favorite local neighborhood bistro.
April 30, 2008 - Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 - RM 87 - Starting to show its age, bright berry and black cherry fruit give way to slight earthy leather on the finish. Tasted w/ L and Alec BYOB at Angeli's Restaurant, our favorite neighborhood bistro.
Label Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 1998 March 9, 2008 - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 1998 - RM 90 - Medium bodied, slightly earthy and leathery, spicy black cherry, a hint of pepper and cassis with firm lingering tannins on the long finish. Tasted w/ L BYOB at Angeli's Restaurant, our favorite neighborhood bistro.
February 10, 2008 - DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Sangiovese 1998 - (RM89) $40 Del Dotto's first release of a 100% Sangiovese, grown on the mountains of Calistoga in Napa Valley. Super fruity nose with a smoky slightly earthy floral flavor - chunky fruity wine. This wine has developed more depth and breath with age. A favorite of Nils Venge, DDO winemaker.  Only a few hundred cases were produced of these early releases. Tasted w/ L, Tony and Dick BYOB at Angeli's Restaurant, our favorite neighborhood bistro.
Label Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 1998 April 22, 2007 - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 1998 - RM 90 - Medium bodied, slightly earthy and leathery, spicy black cherry, pepper, cassis with firm lingering tannins on the long finish. Perfect compliment to B-B-Que rib dinner on the deck w/ L, Alec, and Erin & Johnny just returned from Hawaii. 
March 2, 2007 - Del Dotto Vineyards Cave Blend 2000 - RM 90 - Full fruit, flavor of dark cherry, anise, a hint of licorice on the finish.
January 6, 2007 - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 1998 - RM 89 - Full fruit filled, full bodied - blackberry, black cherry, a hint of mocha, licorice and tar on the finish.
Jan 25, 2006 - Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve Napa Valley 1999 - RM 93 Rich full bodied full berry and cherry fruit with jammy plum. Tasted from magnum with TS Jim K, Leo W, Gordon and Scott E at Capital Grille in Tysons.
Jan 24, 2006 - Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve Napa Valley 1997 - RM 87 - Closed, tight and a bit of a barnyard funkiness that wore off after an hour and half - needs time to settle, soften and open to reveal more of its dark berry fruit and firm tannin and oaky finish.
October 16, 2005 - DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 - (RM92) $62 -  Perfume of sweet oak & plum - flavor packed currant, black berry, cherry and a sweet oak smooth vanilla finish with soft tannins. The 15% Merlot and 5% Cab Franc add roundness and a hint of spice and smoke.  27 months aging in a variety of oak barrels adds a unique delicious sweet oak complexity.
June 29, 2005 - Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve 1998 - RM 88 This 98 Napa cab is starting to show some age...appearing to have lost some of its fruit and losing luster from its previous RM 93 rating ... The berry is still intense but now turned a slight bit austere cherry seeming super ripe with licorice and a hint of tar on the moderate tannin finish. 
Mar 20, 2005 -  DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 - (RM90) $62 -  Perfume of sweet oak & plum - flavor packed currant, black berry, cherry and a sweet oak smooth vanilla finish with soft tannins. The 15% Merlot and 5% Cab Franc add roundness and a hint of spice and smoke.  27 months aging in a variety of oak barrels adds a unique delicious sweet oak complexity.
Jan 29, 2005 - DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 - RM 91 WS 85 - $65 - Big floral berry scent - big mouthful of currant, plum and berry and a hint of cassis with a long full lingering finish. 
Jan 14, 2005 - Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 - RM 87 $65 - Dark, spicy black cherry, blackberry and currant. Tasted at family dinner at D'Angelas in Naperville, sending Ryan off to school and early birthday dinner for Erin.
September 9, 2004 - DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 - (RM92) $62 -  Perfume of sweet oak & plum - flavor packed currant, black berry, cherry and a sweet oak smooth vanilla finish with soft tannins. The 15% Merlot and 5% Cab Franc add roundness and a hint of spice and smoke.  27 months aging in a variety of oak barrels adds a unique delicious sweet oak complexity.
June 17, 2004 - DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 - (RM92) $62 -  Perfume of sweet oak & plum - flavor packed currant, black berry, cherry and a sweet oak smooth vanilla finish with soft tannins. The 15% Merlot and 5% Cab Franc add roundness and a hint of spice and smoke.  27 months aging in a variety of oak barrels adds a unique delicious sweet oak complexity   Tasted at home w/ Pela's in from PHX and Singapore.
Dec 25, 2003 - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 RM 93 WS 93 Continuing a Christmas tradition - beef tenderloin and DDO Cabernet. The 99 may be the best ever Cab from our friends Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto - and winemaker Nils Venge. Its delicious! Intense dark cherry, currant and blackberry with a lingering finish - tight structured tannins and nice balance. This was the perfect complement to our holiday beef tenderloin dinner. DDO was featured in our Napa Wine Experience 2003.
Sept 27, 2003 - Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 RM 91 RP 90-92 Intense smoky cherry with balanced tannins and a hint of currant, plum and berry. Long time favorite from Del Dotto friends. 
Aug 27, 2003 1998 DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Sangiovese - (RM90) $40 
April 2, 2003  - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 RM 93 WS 93 This may be the best ever Cab from our good friends Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto - and winemaker Nils Venge. Its delicious! Intense dark cherry, currant and blackberry with a lingering finish - tight structured tannins and nice balance. Took this along on holiday - a good thing since the available selections were extremely limited in the Caribbean. 
Dec 25, 2002 - Del Dotto Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 RM 93 WS 93 This may be the best ever Cab from our friends Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto - and winemaker Nils Venge. Its delicious! Intense dark cherry, currant and blackberry with a lingering finish - tight structured tannins and nice balance. This was the perfect complement to our holiday beef tenderloin dinner. I first tasted this in the barrel in the DDO caves and then at this summer's Barrels and Beef Extravaganza at Del Dotto. Pick this up if you can.
Aug 27, 2002 - Harlan Maiden 1998, DEL DOTTO David 1999,  DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1996, Venge Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 - Tasted with Dave & Yolanda Del Dotto at Bouchon in Yountville.
Aug 24, 2002 - Barrel Tastings at the Del Dotto Vineyards Barrels and Beasts Extravaganza -  Del Dotto David 1999,  Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon Connoisseurs Series Colbert Cooperage 1999,  Mousanay Cooperage 1999, Del Dotto Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1999, Del Dotto Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Franc 1999, Del Dotto Napa Valley Estate Sangiovese 1999, Del Dotto Napa Valley Estate Merlot 1999
Nov 3, 2001 1998 DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Sangiovese - (RM92) $40
Aug 31, 2001 1998 DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve - (RM93) $48 This is DDO's flagship blend of Cabernet (83%) and Sangiovese (17%). The 1998 growing year reduced the crop by 30% from previous years giving the Cabernet a heartier body and longer aging ability than previous years. Revealing the Sangiovese's fruity nose with a strong intense floral flavor - add the Cab and you have a a big full bodied chunky fruity wine with dark cherry, berry, red licorice. Twelve hundred cases are available. 
Jan 1, 2001 - 1997 Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Franc -  (WS91- RM91)$48 (Label) (Website) Flavorful pepper-spice, vanilla,  cedar,  black cherry.  The hit of the New's Year's party at Fiorito's.
Mar 11, 2000 - 1998 DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Sangiovese - (RM92) $40 This is DDO's first release of a 100% Sangiovese, grown on the mountains of Calistoga in Napa Valley. Super fruity nose with a strong intense floral flavor - a big chunky fruity wine. A favorite of Nils Venge, DDO winemaker.  Only a few hundred cases are available. 
Feb 6, 2000 - 1998 DEL DOTTO Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - (RM92) $62  Perfume of sweet oak & plum - flavor packed currant, black berry, cherry and a sweet oak smooth vanilla finish with soft tannins.  The 15% Merlot and 5% Cab Franc add roundness and a hint of spice and smoke.  27 months aging  in a variety of oak barrels adds a unique delicious sweet oak complexity   Nils Venge is consulting winemaker.
22 Jan 2000 - 1997 Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - $54. Wow. Here come the 97's and if this is an indication then its going to be a great year! This is a big wine with lots of fruit and a nice balance of oak. A layer of smoke and leather grace black cherry, plum and a vanilla and soft cocoa finish. It should be fun to watch this wine age over the next decade. (RM92)
Dec 20, 1999 - Del Dotto Giovanni Tuscan Reserve Napa 1995 WS91 $45. Full fruit, oak, berry, chocolate, mushroom, spice - big finish. Cab Sauv Sangiovese blend - only 190 cases produced - find it at K&L and Kellys.This one was tops against the next three (two Opus's!!) with Paradigm a close second
11 Dec 99 - Del Dotto 1997 Napa Cabernet Franc (WS 91) $48 - cedar, spice, coffee, black cherry - polished - limited production - sold out quickly - try their Cab Sav. Of six wines, this was the hit of Fiorito's Christmas Party. S
July 4, 1999 - Napa Wine Experience 99 - Luncheon At Tra Vigne featuring Dave and Yolanda Del Dotto of Del Dotto Vineyards. Wines Tasted: Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve 1996, Del Dotto Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve 1997, Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996, Del Dotto Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 1997, David Arthur Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996, Elan Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996.
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