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We close out our survey of Sonoma Country’s Dry Creek Valley with a handful of wineries from the region. The appellation may be most famous for its wonderful Zinfandels, but these wineries offer a wide range of quality varieties. Our tasting panel had the opportunity to sample a handful of bottles and were rather impressed.
Hawley 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of tart apple and melon mingle with hints of grass and fresh minerals on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of green apple and lime with accents of herbs and minerals. A bright, crisp wine with a food friendly acidity, fans of lively Sauvignon Blanc should try this bottle. About 500 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Hawley 2010 Estate Meritage
Grape(s): 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Price: 50-55
Review:
A bouquet of blackberries,black cherries, toasty oak and dark chocolate greets the senses. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, cassis, and cherry that unfold into hints of cocoa, oak, and earth. A rich wine, with supple tannins, let it breathe and pair with red meat now or age a bottle in your cellar. 500 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Roadhouse Winery 2011 Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Notes of bramble fruit and plums mingle with a suggestions of pepper and earth on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and plum that unfold into hints of pepper and all-spice. An easy-going red, with a smooth mouthfeel, fans of more laid-back Zins will enjoy this wine. 300 cases were made.
Rating: 87
Roadhouse Winery 2011 Eric’s Red Blend
Grape(s): 44% Zinfandel, 27% Syrah,11% Petite Sirah, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon & 2% Pinot Noir
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of cherries, plums, and blackberries rises up from a glass. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, and plum emerge on the palate along with a hint of red licorice. A smooth and very approachable wine, fans of fruit-driven reds will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 88
Papapietro Perry 2010 Leras Family Vineyards Pinot Noir
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Russian River
Price: 50-55
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of raspberries, cranberries and strawberries mingle with suggestions of vanilla, white pepper, and earth on the nose. A sip delivers bright red berry flavors that flow into notes of cola, spice, and minerals. A lively Pinot, with a food friendly acidity, enjoy it now with food or give it some time in the cellar. 1130 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Papapietro Perry 2009 Pauline’s Vineyard Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries and raspberries are accented by notes of pepper and earth rise up from a glass. Flavors of bramble fruit unfurl into suggestions of spice, herbs, and minerals after a sip. A light, bright red that’s quite smooth on the palate, fans of Zins with a balance of fruity and spicy flavors will enjoy this bottle. 380 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Collier Falls 2010 Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries and cherries mingle with suggestions of herbs, pepper, and clove on the nose. Flavors of bing cherry, blackberry and strawberry jam come together with nuances of sweet spice and cola on the palate. Smooth yet rich with plush tannins, it’s the kind of Zin you can sip on its own or enjoy with your favorite pizza. 318 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Collier Falls 2009 Primitivo
Grape(s): 100% Primitivo
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of cherries, raspberries, and blueberries are accented by notes of sweet spice and earth on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, and cherry along with hints of all-spice and dusty oak. Rather smooth, with bright berry flavors, fans of lighter,livelier reds will enjoy this wine. Just 180 cases produced.
Rating: 90
