Del Dotto Connoisseurs' Series "Centre Sylvain French Oak" Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
(Napa Valley, California) - [RP 96]

About the Winery:
Our story began on our Rutherford Estate back in 1989. Over the last 30 years we have expanded and procured seven specially hand selected vineyard sites in six appellations located primarily in Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast.
We are known for our rich, luscious, silky smooth style of winemaking that is a common thread through all the wines made here at Del Dotto. We showcase in our caves and on our barrel tasting experiences the incredible flavors our hand selected French and American oak barrels impart onto the wines while still maximizing the terroir flavors that each single vineyard has to offer from the various appellations. To our knowledge we are the only winery in the world that offers current vintages on a futures program and bottles single vineyards cabernets out of single barrels which results in an array of flavors to choose from. Dave Del Dotto coined the phrase, “The wine is the reduction sauce, and the barrel is the spice rack.”
This program results in extremely limited production, with some wines with only one barrel made for the world. Essentially, we are creating what we call “Liquid Art”! Very rare and unable to duplicate again. It is like a rare work of art or painting but instead of hanging them on your wall you pull them from your cellar, drink and consume them.
Currently our footprint consists of 67 planted acres in Napa Valley and 41 planted acres on the Sonoma Coast. Varietals include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and of course Cabernet Sauvignon. It took the last few decades for our family to find the ideal sites to produce world class wines with the goal to create a portfolio of wines that represent Napa Valley’s very finest.
We are certified as a California Sustainable Winegrower and although not certified, we practice organically farmed principles like no chemical sprays or fertilizers, and all weeding performed by hand or by our resident sheep. The plants are meticulously cared for by professional vineyard workers to maintain the quality of the crop that defines the Del Dotto style and reputation.

About the Wine:
Nestled against the Mayacamas Mountains on the west side of St. Helena are 12 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine produced from this vineyard exudes creamy, vanilla bean characteristics along with silky tannins and a long finish. The small berries produce a cassis liquor style of Cabernet Sauvignon.
St. Helena Mountain is planted with 6′ x 12′ spacing in deep, well drained sandy loam soils. The vines are quadrilateral cordons running West-East with a gentle slope. This provides great drainage for the vineyard. Typical production is 1.5-2.0 tons per acre. Wine characteristics are very concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon with rich, dark aromas, a strong mouth feel and long finish. The aroma is quite elevated in the glass leaving the ultimate desire of consumption.

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"David Del Dotto 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Mountain is a prodigious example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. At 15.5% natural alcohol, it is a full-throttle wine, but unless you are an alcoholphobe, you will not notice any heat or balance issues. It possesses luxurious blackberry, blueberry and cassis fruit along with hints of licorice, camphor and spring flowers. Full-bodied, pure and beautifully textured with nicely integrated acidity, wood and tannin, this blockbuster should drink well for two decades or more." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (30th Oct 2013)