WTN: 1997 Dehlinger Estate Syrah

1997 Dehlinger “Estate” Syrah

The last time I tried one of these was about 8 years ago and the tannic structure made the wine rather awkward. I suspected a few years in the cellar might be beneficial and the wine is just lovely now. Roses, black pepper, cassis, bacon and a whiff of smoke. Very nice California Syrah. IMHO, his Pinots seem to prematurely fall apart in their youth; but the Syrahs seem to outlive expectations.

[Jenise]

I hope you're right and that my 2001s will evolve. Last time I opened one, about a year ago, it was in a bad place and I read somewhere that someone important whose initials might be R and P didn't think it had long range potential. I'm hoping he's wrong.

I hope you're right and that my 2001s will evolve. Last time I opened one, about a year ago, it was in a bad place and I read somewhere that someone important whose initials might be R and P didn't think it had long range potential. I'm hoping he's wrong.

I have not even tried one of my 2001’s yet. But I like a bit of age on my wine. Did the person with the initials RP quantify “long range potential”? I distinctly recall reading something by a person with the initials ‘RP’ that consistently claimed the Dehlinger Syrahs have a 10-12 year drinking window.

He’s a former attorney. Should he not at least be able to keep his story straight?

[Jenise]

I too prefer some age and am actually confident that the 01's will end up just fine--I had one very early on and it was wonderful. I'm not really worried about it.