Exploring
the Wines of Dry Creek Valley Part 1
- Dry Creek Vineyard
By FBWorld Team
Sonoma
Country's Dry Creek Valley is one of the premier grape
growing regions in California. The area may be most famous for
its Zinfandels, but there are a wide range of varieties that
do very well in the valley. This month we will survey a handful
of the area's producers and their delightful offerings. We start
with one of the region's largest and best known wineries: Dry
Creek Vineyard
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Dry
Creek Vineyard 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Dry Creek Vineyard
Grape(s): 90% Sauvignon Blanc & 10%
Sauvignon Musqué
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 10-15
Review:
A bouquet of honeydew, grapefruit, and fresh cut grass
greets the senses. A sip offers flavors of grapefruit,
lime, and melon along with hints of honey and minerals.
A bright, refreshing wine that's very approachable, pair
it with grilled citrus chicken or shrimp cocktail and
enjoy.
Rating: 89 |
|
Dry
Creek Vineyard 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel
Winery:
Dry Creek Vineyard
Grape(s): 89% Zinfandel & 11% Petite
Sirah
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, plum, and black cherry meld with
suggestions of white pepper and perfume on the nose. The
palate offers flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and cherry
with accents of pepper and cardamom. A rich, robust wine
that offers a nice balance of fruity and spicy flavors,
Zin lovers will enjoy it very much.
Rating: 90 |
|
Dry
Creek Vineyard 2009 'The Mariner' Meritage Blend
Winery:
Dry Creek Vineyard
Grape(s): 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37%
Merlot, 10% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, & 5% Cabernet
Franc
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 40-45
Review:
Aromatics of bramble fruit and cassis mingle with hints
of toasty oak on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, cherry,
and currant unfold into notes of coffee, vanilla, and
spice. A supple, nicely structured wine that will continue
to develop in the cellar, fans of reds with rich tannins
will enjoy this now. Pair a bottle with your favorite
cut of beef.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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