2005 Del Dotto Vineyards Cinghiale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

$75. Del Dotto has quickly become one of the hottest visitor sites in Napa Valley. The winery’s caves, first dug in 1885, have been lovingly restored and the winery offers a candle lit cave experience and barrel tasting by reservation for a small charge. Del Dotto owned 400 acres of vineyards to which 96 are planted to vines. In 2005, an additional 359 acres were purchased in the true Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard, named Cinghiale (Italian for wild boar), was previously owned by W.H. Smith. About 35 acres are planted to Pinot Noir. The 2005 is the inaugural release. I had this wine at Cole’s Chop House in the town of Napa. This is a first-rate steak house that has won Zagat’s top rating for a steak house in the Bay Area three years running. I knew Del Dotto was known for Cabernet Sauvignon and other hearty red varietals, so I was surprised to see their Pinot Noir on the list. · The wine was very good. It was a very elegant styled Pinot with nicely balanced Pinot fruits, suede-like tannins, and crisp finishing acidity. It was just fine with steak. Reviewed January 29, 2007

Winery: Del Dotto Vineyards
From article: Some Other Enjoyable Sonoma Coast Pinots