Dave Del Dotto is a retired real estate and television infomercial specialist. After a visit to Napa Valley with his wife Yolanda in the late 1980’s, they purchased a Frank Lloyd Wright residence in Rutherford, Napa Valley along with a 17-acre property, planting varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Merlot.

In 2007, Dave opened the Del Dotto Venetian Estate. As a tribute to his family’s ancestry, Dave constructed a 16,000 square foot Venetian-styled palace with elaborate detail. Dave continued to acquire prominent vineyard property over the following 25 years. These notable growing regions included Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, Rutherford, St Helena, Oakville and others.

This wine is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon with the addition of 12% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. There is a deep garnet to opaque ruby hue with violet reflections at the rim. The saturated core is packed with a mixture of red and black orchard berries intertwined with sweet oak, brown spices and a dusting of milk chocolate shavings. The finely grained tannins add richness and support to the gentle framework without being intrusive and add to its overall enjoyment.

By W Peter Hoyne