Best ever for Vinous at 95 points:
The 2021 Pinot Noir Altamont is quite rich in this vintage. The effects of drought come through in a decidedly potent, sumptuous Pinot Noir from Dehlinger. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and pomegranate are front and center. This plush, racy Pinot Noir embodies the essence of the Russian River Valley. As a reminder, the Altamont emerges from a collection of upper blocks across the entire property. This is a real star.
This actually rates higher than the Dehlinger Estate Pinot, which made the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list this year.
Also top-rated and a Cellar Selection for the Wine Enthusiast:
The nose of this deeply colored Pinot gives saturated cherry and berry aromas alongside notes of floral cedar and black tea. The palate is savory and densely packed, with snappy black cherry, anise and cinnamon-clove flavors washing over a richly tannic palate. A few years in the cellar should soften this quite nicely.
