Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Since the early 1970s, Dry Creek Vineyard has been one of California's leaders in the production of high-quality Sauvignon Blancs. The 2016 vintage, one of the winery's best efforts to date, shows beautiful dried herbs and ripe melon flavors. The generously layered and crisp finish invites a pairing with rosemary-accented baked chicken. (Tasted: February 10, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a voluptuous style, fleshy and fulfilling in ripe pineapple and papaya, evocative of tropical shores. Bristling acidity complements the fruit, as a wave of creamy vanilla picks up steam on the lengthy finish.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.