The Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County has long been recognized as a premier location for growing Zinfandel, and Dry Creek Vinyards continues to be a leader in that area, producing Zins that are not only of excellent quality but very good values as well. Our tasting panel sat down recently and tasted through some of their current offerings.
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Winery: Dry Creek
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2008
Special Designation: Heritage
Price: 15-20
Review
The nose offers aromas of raspberries and blueberries with accents of oak and sweet spices. On the palate, bing cherry, raspberry, dusty blueberry unfurl into suggestions of pepper, sweet spices, and a hint of chocolate. A fairly light wine without too much bit of spice, it’s a good value for fans of more laid back Zins.
Rating: 87
Character: red fruit, light tannins, light mouthfeel
Farming Certification: (none)
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Winery: Dry Creek
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2008
Special Designation: Somers Ranch
Price: 30-35
Review
Aromas of cherries and raspberries move into hints of chocolate and sweet spices. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry are framed by suggestions of toasty oak and a bit of spice. A lush Zin with rich fruit flavors, it’s great for smoky, sweet bbq ribs.
Rating: 91
Character: red fruit, light tannins, supple mouthfeel
Farming Certification: (none)
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Winery: Dry Creek
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2007
Special Designation: Old Vine
Price: 25-30
Review:
Discover notes of cherries, blackberries, and blueberries along with accents of sweet spices and a bit of smoke on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of black cherry and blackberry complicated by suggestions of sweet spice, a bit of oak, a bit of spice and a hint of dark chocolate. A rich, flavorful wine, it’s for fans of darker, fruit-driven Zins with a slightly sweet barrel influence.
Rating: 90
Character: dark fruit, light tannins, light mouthfeel
Farming Certification: (none)