Exploring
the Wines of Dry Creek Valley Part 4 -
Wilson Winery
By FBWorld Team
Wilson
Winery was built on tradition and family-much like
its landmark barn anchored to the eastern rim of the legendary
Dry Creek Valley. Ken and Diane Wilson have placed the winery's
focus on Zinfandel, a key variety in the valley's history and
legacy, and set out to showcase the grape from several different
vineyards throughout the area. Here's what our tasting panel
had to say about some of their current releases.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Wilson
Winery 2011 "Cypress Ridge" Zinfandel
Winery:
Wilson Winery
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of raspberries and plums meld with suggestions
of leather and spice on the nose. A sip delivers flavors
of raspberry, strawberry, and plum with accents of pepper
and oak. A lively Zin with a nice balance of fruit and
spice, fans of more robust reds will enjoy this bottle.
496 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Wilson
Winery 2011 "Molly's" Zinfandel
Winery:
Wilson Winery
Grape(s): 96% Zinfandel & 4% Petite
Sirah
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromatics of bramble fruit and plum are accented by notes
of game and spice on the nose. The palate unfurls flavors
of blackberry, raspberry, and plum that mingle with nuances
of white pepper, cocoa, and minerals. Bright, bold flavors
are balanced by a smooth mouthfeel, fans of dark, lively
Zins should try this wine. 620 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Wilson
Winery 2011 "Buzz" Zinfandel
Winery:
Wilson Winery
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
A bouquet of bramble fruit, strawberries, and spice rises
up from a glass. The palate reveals flavors of blackberry,
raspberry, and strawberry accented by suggestions of pepper
and vanilla. A fruit-driven Zin, with just a little highlight
of spice, it's a very approachable red. Drink now. 347
cases made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Wilson
Winery 2011 "Ellie's New Vine" Zinfandel
Winery:
Wilson Winery
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
The nose offers aromas of blackberries, strawberries,
and plums accented by hints of pepper and licorice. A
sip unfurls flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and plum
along with hints of anise, dark chocolate, and spice.
An easy going Zin with apple dark fruit, fans of lush,
rich reds will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90 |
|
Wilson
Winery 2011 "Heartland" Zinfandel
Winery:
Wilson Winery
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of spice, leather, oak, and bramble fruit greet
the senses. The palate delivers flavors of blackberry
and raspberry with highlights of pepper and earth. A heartier
Zin with dynamic flavors, fans of light, lively reds will
enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89 |
|
Wilson
Winery 2011 "McClain" Primitivo
Winery:
Wilson Winery
Grape(s): 100% Primitivo
Region: Sonoma County
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
A bouquet of blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and spice
greets the senses. Flavors of blueberry, raspberry, strawberry
emerge along with spicy, herbaceous, and earthy hints.
A rich, smooth wine with plush tannins, pair a bottle
with your favorite gourmet pizza and enjoy. 296 cases
were made.
Rating: 88 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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