Winemaker Notes
On the palate, a full range of fresh red and dark fruit, with just a small jammy concentration, fans out into a rich and round mouthfeel with balanced, refreshing acidity. Savory notes of graphite, chocolate and vanilla add layers of flavor to the fruit, finished by an accent of classic Dry Creek Valley baking spice.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Zesty, yet with a sense of refinement, this textbook Dry Creek style offers vibrant raspberry, dried sage and cracked pepper flavors that sprint toward fine tannins. Drink now through 2025.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Zinfandel Dry Creek checks in as a blend of 85% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, and 1% Barbera aged 9-10 months in 15% new oak. It has a deep purple color as well as notable purity in its brb, crushed violets, blood orange, and cedary aromas and flavors. Incredibly elegant, seamless, and polished on the palate, it's not a blockbuster but shines for its balance and purity. Drink it over the coming 2-5 years.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
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.