Blackberry, smoky chocolate and soapstone on the nose. Nice black fruit and chocolate on the palate, not over the top, somewhat restrained and shortish finish. Solid but not spectacular. This may develop some secondary characteristics with time, but I think not.
Jud, I reported recently on an 02 bottle, which really improved the second night (depending on how you like your wines, of course). As for developing with age, there is definitely history here to suggest that should be the case. I only opened that 02 because I have a bunch, and decided it was time for the first one since receiving the wine. Otherwise I wouldn’t even think of touching anything younger than maybe 99, which is still youthful (as is 97). The 94, 95, and 96 vintages which I have had in the past year or so have been superb, with plenty of beautiful secondary (or tertiary, if you like that term better) character. I might drink the 98 now, though the 98 East Face is still on hold 
Cheers
Alan - thanks for the thoughts. The 03 vintage was the first time I really started to buy Dehlinger, so I don’t have the long term perspective. I was reacting more to the fact this his pinots of the same vintage have so much more going on. I’ll be patient with the rest and see what develops.
I think you’ll be rewarded. What I have seemed to notice is that the more recent vintages appear to display a bit more oak than I remembered. But I got some numbers from the winery that suggest not much has changed, so it might just be my palate becoming more sensitive. Either way, I personally think the Dehlinger Syrahs are some of the best coming out of Sonoma County, but they do need some time to develop.
Cheers