Exploring
the Wines of Dry Creek Valley Part 3 -
Fritz Underground Winery
By FBWorld Team
Fritz
Underground Winery is unlike any place you've ever
visited. A visionary wonder built ahead of its time by namesake
Mr. Jay Arthur Fritz in the late 1970's, this monumental Gaudi
style masterpiece represents a viticultural passion for sustainability,
quality, and tradition. Today, Jay's son Clayton runs the winery
with the same dedication and enthusiasm to these core values.
Here's
what our tasting panel thought about a handful of the winery's
current releases:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Fritz
Winery 2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Fritz Winery
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
A bouquet of peach, lemon, bell pepper, and minerals rises
up from a glass. The palate reveals bright citrusy notes
that unfold into suggestions of apricot, white pepper,
and fresh minerals. A lively white, with a fresh acidity,
fans of crisp, clean whites will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89 |
|
Fritz
Winery 2012 Rosé
Winery:
Fritz Winery
Grape(s): Zinfandel, Malbec, Cabernet
Sauvignon, & Pinot
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and watermelon mingle
with subtle floral notes on the nose. A sip delivers flavors
of cherry, cranberry, and strawberry with an accent of
vanilla. A fairly crisp rosé, with ample fruit,
it's quite approachable and ideal for sipping on a warm
evening.
Rating: 90 |
|
Fritz
Winery 2011 Malbec
Winery:
Fritz Winery
Grape(s): 100% Malbec
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of blueberries and black cherries come together
with hints of dark chocolate and sassafras root on the
nose. The palate unfurls flavors of blueberry, cherry,
and raspberry along with nuances of earth and cocoa. A
fruit-driven Malbec, it has a solid structure but is still
very approachable.
Rating: 89 |
|
Fritz
Winery 2011 Zinfandel
Winery:
Fritz Winery
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries and raspberries mingle with
suggestions of pepper and fennel seed on the nose. Flavors
of bramble fruit and cherry emerge on the palate along
with highlights of spice, licorice, and minerals. A bright
approachable Zin, with a nice balance of flavors, it's
sure to please a crowd.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
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