Del Dotto Experiments with Barrel Types with its Top Wines

by Andrew Chalk

I recently had the opportunity to taste two outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines from California's premiere wine region Napa Valley in the

Del Dotto 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve, Block 3, Centre Taransaud French Oak Connoisseurs Series, Napa Valley, CA ($250)

Del Dotto 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve, Block 2, American Oak Carved and Grooved by Alain Fouquet, Connoisseurs Series, Napa Valley, CA ($250)

It was a compelling demonstration of the influence of oak type and aging on the wine that eventually emerges. The above two wines have so much in common in their viticulture and viniculture, yet the two are distinctly different on the nose and in the mouth. I recommend the comparison to everyone.

A representative says "Early pioneers in experimenting with a wide-ranging selection of the world’s finest oak barrels, Del Dotto takes a deep dive in researching how barrels are created, including the hand selection of specific forests, different levels of toasting the wood and different cooperage techniques. With each barrel they custom create "the spice rack" to enhance their estate fruit grown from coveted appellations throughout Napa Valley."

Adding" "Guests today can barrel taste in their caves at both properties–the majestic Venetian inspired Del Dotto Estate in St. Helena and Piazza Del Dotto, reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, located in the Oakville appellation, just north of Yountville. They offer their signature cave and barrel tasting experience as well as bites and pairings known as Del Dotto Delicacies at the Piazza property. "

TASTING NOTES

NAME:	Del Dotto 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve, Block 3, Centre Taransaud French Oak Connoisseurs Series, Napa Valley, CA ($250)
	COMMENTS
APPEARANCE
Clarity	clear
Intensity	pronounced
Color	ruby
NOSE
Condition	clean
Intensity	medium plus
Aroma Characteristics	Blackberry, black cherry, thyme, allspice, vanilla, cedar, coffee, bread dough
PALATE
Sweetness	dry
Acidity	medium plus
Tannin	medium plus/chewy
Alcohol	medium plus
Body	full
Flavor intensity	pronounced
Flavor characterstics	Blackberry, black cherry, thyme, allspice, vanilla, cedar, coffee, bread dough, ripe fruit, mushroom.
Other observations	Intense flavors in the mouth and grippy tannins.
Finish	Long.
Quality Assessment	Outstanding. Tannins still formidable so this will last and least five more, and maybe ten more years.
Bottle aging	Suitable.

NAME:	Del Dotto 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve, Block 2, American Oak Carved and Grooved by Alain Fouquet, Connoisseurs Series, Napa Valley, CA ($250)
	COMMENTS
APPEARANCE
Clarity	clear
Intensity	Pronounced
Color	Ruby
NOSE
Condition	clean
Intensity	Medium plus;
Aroma Characteristics	Black cherry, thyme, allspice, coconut, cedar, bread dough, perfumy
PALATE
Sweetness	dry
Acidity	medium plus
Tannin	medium plus/unripe, chewy
Alcohol	medium plus
Body	full
Flavor intensity	medium plus
Flavor characterstics	Black cherry, thyme, allspice, coconut, cedar, bread dough, pencil lead.
Other observations	Attractive fruit
Finish	Medium
Quality Assessment	Very Good. More fruity and perfume than the French oak version. Not as complex or powerful. Tannins lead one to expect five years aging.
Bottle aging	Suitable.