Dec 30, 2022
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Del Dotto Vineyards
| Owner(s) | David Del Dotto |
| Web site | www.deldottovineyards.com |
| Link to this site |
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 owns 400 acres to which 96 are planted to vines. Known for Bordeaux varietals grown in the Rutherford Bench, Howell Mountain and St. Helena appellations, the winery has started a Pinot Noir program as well.
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 named Maritime Vineyard and owned by W.H. Smith. About 42 acres are planted here (35 acres of Pinot Noir and lesser amounts of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah) at an elevation of 1,800 feet. The soils are gravelly and yields are very low. The 2005 is the inaugural release. The Cinghiale Pinot Noir is big and bold in style and the fruit source is first rate. The winemaker is Nils Venge.
Multiple Pinot Noirs are offered including an entry level Piazza Pinot Noir ($38) and premium wines from Fort Ross-Seaview Cinghiale Vineyard at premium prices. The winery is interesting in that its focus is both Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (from Cinghaile Vineyard)
Visit the website for tasting room information and to purchase the wine - wines are available in 1.5L, 3L and even 5L formats!
Articles About Del Dotto Vineyards
Reviewed Wines
2006 Del Dotto Vineyards Cinghiale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $75.
Cinghiale is Italian for wild bore.
·
Deep reddish-purple robe. Mysterious nose of dark
stone fruits and sweet oak. Rich dark fruits on the palate which are very luscious but are
currently overpowered by tannins. This is a big-boy Pinot that drinks like a Cabernet Franc.
Packed and stacked, time is needed for the tannins to soften and the fruit to emerge. If you
drink it now, decant and serve with a good steak.
Reviewed May 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
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
ARTICLE »
2006 Del Dotto Vineyards Cinghiale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $75. Cinghiale is Italian for wild bore. · Deep reddish-purple robe. Mysterious nose of dark stone fruits and sweet oak. Rich dark fruits on the palate which are very luscious but are currently overpowered by tannins. This is a big-boy Pinot that drinks like a Cabernet Franc. Packed and stacked, time is needed for the tannins to soften and the fruit to emerge. If you drink it now, decant and serve with a good steak. Reviewed May 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
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 ARTICLE »