Dehlinger has long been recognized for its Russian River Valley Chardonnays, which are known for their balance, fresh acidity, and unctuous flavor. Today, Dehlinger produces a single Estate Chardonnay bottling each vintage, originating from their eight acres of Chardonnay vines planted between 1975 and 1988. These old vines, grown in the region's classic goldridge series soils, are grafted to the California heritage "Wente" clone, which produces small clusters and berries and has a notable minerality and almost oily viscosity.
Dehlinger's Chardonnays are crafted using traditional techniques which preserve the flavor and elegance of the variety. At harvest, the grapes are picked at night, brought cold into the winery and "whole cluster pressed" to extract the highest quality juice. From there, the juice is fermented in French oak barrels using native yeasts. The wine gains further complexity through malolactic fermentation and a year of aging on the lees. Dehlinger has been bottling its Chardonnays "Unfiltered" since the late 1990s in order to capture the full flavor potential and most pleasing texture possible.
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "Aged in barrel on the lees for one year, the bright yellow/green 2021 Chardonnay Estate offers a mineral slanting style. In the glass, it has a fantastic nose, with pristine notes of lime, green pear, delicate oak spice, and wet stones. Medium to full -bodied, it takes on notes of lime candies and white flowers, and it has a fantastic texture and a great, long finish. Drink 2025-2037."
ANTONIO GALLONI 95 POINTS - "The 2021 Chardonnay Estate is fabulous. Rich and explosive, with notable textural intensity, the 2021 is super-expressive. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and white pepper lend notable complexity. The 2021 spent 12 months in barrel (33% new), followed by three months in tank."
Dehlinger's Chardonnays are crafted using traditional techniques which preserve the flavor and elegance of the variety. At harvest, the grapes are picked at night, brought cold into the winery and "whole cluster pressed" to extract the highest quality juice. From there, the juice is fermented in French oak barrels using native yeasts. The wine gains further complexity through malolactic fermentation and a year of aging on the lees. Dehlinger has been bottling its Chardonnays "Unfiltered" since the late 1990s in order to capture the full flavor potential and most pleasing texture possible.
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "Aged in barrel on the lees for one year, the bright yellow/green 2021 Chardonnay Estate offers a mineral slanting style. In the glass, it has a fantastic nose, with pristine notes of lime, green pear, delicate oak spice, and wet stones. Medium to full -bodied, it takes on notes of lime candies and white flowers, and it has a fantastic texture and a great, long finish. Drink 2025-2037."
ANTONIO GALLONI 95 POINTS - "The 2021 Chardonnay Estate is fabulous. Rich and explosive, with notable textural intensity, the 2021 is super-expressive. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and white pepper lend notable complexity. The 2021 spent 12 months in barrel (33% new), followed by three months in tank."
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