Our Wines
Although the Del Dotto story begins on our Rutherford Estate, it has expanded to include seven other specially selected appellations.
Currently our footprint consists of 437 acres with 121 acres planted of varietals including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and sangiovese. It took 18 years to find the ideal sites to cultivate each individually selected grape clone and to maximize the terroir flavors in the wines. Each vineyard is organically farmed, with no chemical sprays or fertilizers, and all weeding performed by hand. The plants are meticulously cared for by professional vineyard workers in order to maintain the quality of the crop that defines the Del Dotto reputation.
Rutherford Bench Appellation
Our original Estate vineyard consists of 12 acres which were replanted in 1990 with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and sangiovese. With consistent ratings (92-94+ points), this vineyard beautifully showcases the earthy characteristics that make Rutherford famous. Currently, each of these varietals is available to all our guests. In addition, two blends are available to our Gold and Platinum Members in limited quantities: Giovanni’s Tuscan Reserve, a Super-Tuscan style blend of cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese, and Rutherford David, a Bordeaux-style blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot.
Vineyard 887 – St. Helena Appellation
Located on the south end of the St. Helena Appellation, Vineyard 887 is one of the highest rated vineyards in Napa Valley. This beautiful vineyard consists of nine acres of cabernet sauvignon, planted in 2000. This vineyard shows the typical St. Helena characteristics of lush, fruity berries, with easily accessible tannins on the palate. The inaugural vintage was in 2004 and by 2012 it was receiving 96-98 point ratings from Robert Parker.
Howell Mountain Appellation
At an elevation of 1400 feet, this vineyard truly highlights the terroir of Howell Mountain, characterized by white chalk. Consisting of clones transplanted from our Rutherford estate, it features ten acres planted with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. The wine presents a massive, rich, full-bodied mouth feel with an earthy chocolate finish. Receiving consistent 92-95 point ratings, it is considered one of the top vineyards in the world. Currently, these wines are only available in very limited quantities to our Gold and Platinum Members.
St. Helena Appellation
Nestled against the Mayacamas Mountains on the west side of St. Helena, this vineyard features ten acres of cabernet sauvignon which exudes creamy vanilla bean and cassis characteristics, along with silky tannins and a long finish. This amazing vineyard receives 98-100 point scores from Robert Parker.
Sonoma Coast Cinghiale Vineyard
The “Cinghiale” (Italian for wild boar) Vineyard is named for the frequent inhabitants of the property, and was purchased in 2005. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it consists of 359 acres at the top of King Ridge in the Sonoma Coast appellation, and is planted with 43 acres of pinot noir, syrah, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc. In an effort to highlight the award-winning terroir, it features a variety of pinot noir and chardonnay clones with lineages hailing from the top vineyards in Burgundy, as well as select top-rated clones from its neighbors in California. We have also just released our first sparkling wine, Bubbles by Del Dotto, made from the outstanding pinot noir and chardonnay grapes of this world-class vineyard.
Villa Del Lago
Our sister winery Villa Del Lago consists of 20 acres of cabernet sauvignon on Pritchard Hill, located above Lake Hennessey in St. Helena. Although not technically its own AVA, Pritchard Hill is home to some of the worlds finest cabernet vineyards. The concentrated flavors of chocolate and lush mountain fruit as well as the superior elegance and balance of Villa Del Lago is achieved through the extraction of only one-third ton of grapes per acre, utilizing only free-run juice. Villa Del Lago consistently receives 97-100 points from Robert Parker, Jr. These wines can be consumed early but will age beautifully for 20+ years. Currently, this cabernet sauvignon is only available to our VIP Members.
Piazza Del Dotto – Oakville Appellation
The newest vineyard to be added to the Del Dotto legacy, our Oakville property contains 8.5 acres of cabernet sauvignon. Named Piazza Del Dotto, it will be the site for Del Dotto’s newest tasting room wonderland. Consisting of well-drained gravel soil, the cabernets from this property showcase a beautiful herbaceous characteristic reminiscent of those from the nearby To Kalon vineyard.