Exploring
the Wines of Dry Creek Valley Part 5
By FBWorld Team
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.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Hawley
2012 Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Hawley
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
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
Winery:
Hawley
Grape(s): 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48%
Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
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
Winery:
Roadhouse Winery
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
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
Winery:
Roadhouse Winery
Grape(s): 44% Zinfandel, 27% Syrah,11%
Petite Sirah, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon & 2% Pinot Noir
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 25-30
Review:
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
Winery:
Papapietro Perry
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Russian River
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 50-55
Review:
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: 890 |
|
Papapietro
Perry 2009 Pauline's Vineyard Zinfandel
Winery:
Papapietro Perry
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
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
Winery:
Collier Falls
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
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
Winery:
Collier Falls
Grape(s): 100% Primitivo
Region: Dry Creek Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
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 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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