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)