Winemaker Notes
Visually stunning this year, there is a slightly less orange, or salmon, hue and a bit more magenta and violet, though still classically "light" in color overall, signifying a gentle extraction and hinting at the quaffable and thirst-quenching character that awaits on the palate. While Grenache is again the anchor, at 77%, the inclusion of Primitivo and Petite Sirah as the next most dominant varieties has yielded a truly beautiful color while in no way taking away from the gorgeous Grenache-driven aromatics. This year Grenache-centric strawberry fruit sits side-by-side with ripe nectarine and white peach, with the more typical grapefruit, rhubarb, and raspberry notes being subtle and nuanced. The palate has concentration, but is never heavy, with refreshing acidity and a seamless balance drawing you back for more. Should go well with all classic Rose food-wine pairings, or just on its own. A true triumph for a very challenging year!
Blend: 77% Grenache, 11% Primitivo, 8% Petite Sirah, 4% Mourvèdre
Whether it’s playful and fun or savory and serious, most rosé today is not your grandmother’s White Zinfandel, though that category remains strong. Pink wine has recently become quite trendy, and this time around it’s commonly quite dry. Since the pigment in red wines comes from keeping fermenting juice in contact with the grape skins for an extended period, it follows that a pink wine can be made using just a brief period of skin contact—usually just a couple of days. The resulting color depends on grape variety and winemaking style, ranging from pale salmon to deep magenta.
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.