At Gustafson Family Vineyards, they offer world-class wine sourced from their estate vineyards. The twenty acres of vines is planted with eight different varieties including: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Our tasting panel recently sampled a handful of their wines and each of them is well worth trying.
Gustafson 2012 Rosé of Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of ripe red berries and subtle minerals greets the senses. Flavors of cranberry, strawberry, and watermelon mingle with a hint of chalky spice on the palate. Crisp and clean with a nice tart highlight, this wine can pair equally well with pork chops, sweet and sour chicken, or just a sunny afternoon.
Rating: 89
Gustafson 2012 Riesling
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of pear, golden apple, and apricot are accented by suggestions of sweet spice and springtime flowers on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of Asian pear and dried apricot that come together with hints of all-spice, toasted nuts and violets. Somewhat sweet but still nicely layered with flavors, fans of Riesling ought to try this bottle.
Rating: 90
Gustafson 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, & 5% Petite Verdot
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries and currants come together with notes of cola, sweet spice, and oak on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, along with hints of cedar and vanilla. A smooth, layered red with plush tannins, it’s a fine example of a Dry Creek Cab. 420 cases were made.
Rating: 91
Gustafson 2010 “Heritage Tree” Zinfandel
Grape(s): 93% Zinfandel & 7% Petite Sirah
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Notes of bramble fruit, espresso, and pepper rise up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of blackberry, strawberry, and cherry accented by nuances spice and dusty minerals. A plush, earthy Zin, pair it with your favorite hearty Mexican dish. 300 cases produced.
Rating: 88