'97 Dehlinger RRV Cabernet Sauvignon

[Innkeeper]

1997 Dehlinger, Estate Bottled, Russian River Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon ($gift). Alcohol level: 14.5%.

Despite the age, the wine gave a strong dose of blackberry and black current fruit on the nose and upfront. On the palate there was more fruit in the unbelievable complexity that included some RRV dirt and a little saddle leather. The tannin was as smooth as the proverbial, and the finish rang at least four bells. It was the best wine we’ve had in over a year.

We celebrated the Chinese New Year with a meat and potatoes meal; matching the wine with rib steaks that we seasoned, seared in a hot cast iron skillet, and finished in a hot oven for five minutes. It was served with baked potato and salad. Simply wonderful!