During a recent trip to Napa Valley, a visit to Del Dotto Estate Winery and Caves, located on St. Helena Highway near Rutherford, was a memorable experience. Not only was the architecture stunning, but the wine tasting experience was insightful and the food tasting experience was on point.
The Del Dotto Vineyards Story
The Del Dotto family has been making wine since the 1400s. The opulent Venetian architecture of the Estate Winery and Caves is an homage to the family heritage that dates back to 1150 in Venice. Boasting imported Murano glass chandeliers and Roman columns hand-cut in Italy from Carrera marble, details were in full view.
Dave Del Dotto began collecting wines in the late 1980s. Inspired by a wine-buying trip to Napa Valley with his wife Yolanda, the couple became enamored with a home on 17 acres of prime real estate perfect for grape growing. In 1990, the Del Dottos planted new rootstock of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sangiovese. Now, Del Dotto 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.
The Del Dotto Venetian Estate, their second tasting room and winery, offers guests a sunny Tuscan vibe and breathtaking gardens. It opened 19 years after the family purchased the property. A culinary program led by renowned Chef Joshua Schwartz, formerly of The French Laundry, Per Se, Bouchon and Bouley, is a highlight for all. Dave Del Dotto feels that “wine tasting should be a full sensory experience” with food and wine and others seem to agree. For more details, see their website HERE.
Visiting Del Dotto Estate Winery and Caves
After ooh-ing and ahh-ing the stunning exterior surroundings, we were greeted inside by a welcoming staff member and a splash of Del Dotto Chardonnay. With glass in hand, we admired mosaics, artwork, historic maps and more as the tasting group of 8 guests gathered. Leading us into the marble lined cave by our host, we enjoyed 5 red wine varietals thieved directly from American and French oak barrels as everyone learned more about Del Dotto’s barrel program of which Dave Del Dotto is especially proud.
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.” Del Dotto Vineyards
As a pre-game to the visit, I was sent (as samples), two bottles of wines demonstrating the influence of French and American oak as well as ageing that affects the palate profile. I found it fascinating that both wines had plenty in common but also offered unique aromas and flavors. Both wines can be enjoyed now or saved another 5+ years.
Elegant and truly balanced, Del Dotto 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve, Block 3, Centre Taransaud French Oak Connoisseurs Series, Napa Valley ($250) burst with intense aromas of crushed blackberries, vanilla, black cherries, allspice, and toast. On the full-bodied palate, vibrant acidity and tannic structure provided a foundation to powerful, complex notes of black fruits, cedar, espresso, ripe fruit, and forest mushrooms. The finish lingered longer than I expected! Superior wine.
Next, Del Dotto 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena Mountain Family Reserve, Block 2, American Oak Carved and Grooved by Alain Fouquet, Connoisseurs Series, Napa Valley ($250) offered brilliant aromas of black cherries, toast, cedar, baking spice, thyme, florals and coconut. The full-bodied palate, with intense acidity and tannins, revealed notes of black cherries, baking spice, herbs, coconut, wood and granite. Not as bold or complex as the wine in French oak, this was an outstanding wine. Highly recommended.
After the barrel tasting, lively conversation ensued and our group indulged in a four-course seated tasting on the mezzanine level with flavorful small bites and pours of wines. Proving Dave Del Dotto’s philosophy that wine should be a sensory experience, we enjoyed a house-made pepperoni pizza, focaccia, charcuterie plate, and crispy tater tots with dipping sauces. Luscious, easy drinking wines included Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, all balanced and flavorful.
During your next trip to Napa Valley, plan on a visit to Del Dotto Vineyards. With two locations, there is a California wine and Italian design experience to please everyone.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
