Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2013
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wilfred
Wong -
Connoisseurs'
Guide -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Blend: 75% Zinfandel, 23% Petite Sirah, 2% Carignane
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
From vines averaging 95 years old, this is an impressive effort, in balance between savory, sultry overtones of peppercorn and espresso and a riper, juicier core of blackberry. Supportive acidity provides a freshness to the wine, which offers plenty of length and breadth on the finish.
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2013 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel has components—beautiful aromas of different berries, great textures and balance and a finish that lasts and lasts. The wine's seamlessness pairs it well with lightly grilled loin lamb chops. Drinks well now, with improvement over the next few years. (Tasted: July 19, 2016, San Francisco, CA)
-
Connoisseurs' Guide
Optimally ripened, solidly fruited and hitting the varietal mark smartly, Dry Creek Vineyard’s Old Vine bottling does a fine job of being both rich and lively at one and the same time. It is deep and well-filled without a whit of heaviness, and, while sufficiently open to afford lots of forthright appeal now, it has a very promising sense of reserve and the structure to get better with age. It is an honest, carefully crafted Zinfandel that is very sure of just what it is, and it deftly reminds that richness and range do not depend on a heavy hand.
-
Wine Spectator
This zesty Zin is loaded with lively fruit, with floral raspberry and pepper aromas leading to layered, jammy flavors of wild berry, licorice and smoky sage that take on weight and ripe tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2022. Top Value Pick
Other Vintages
2021-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wilfred
Wong -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Spectator -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine &
Spirits
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wilfred
Wong
-
Wilfred
Wong -
James
Suckling -
Connoisseurs'
Guide -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator
-
Wilfred
Wong -
Connoisseurs'
Guide -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine &
Spirits -
Wilfred
Wong -
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wine
Spectator
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Wilfred
Wong -
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Robert
Parker
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine &
Spirits
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
Established in 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. As the region’s first new winery following Prohibition, founder David Stare paved the way for a viticultural rebirth in this vibrant winegrowing appellation. Among other industry benchmarks, Dry Creek Vineyard is recognized as the first winery to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley, and was also the first to use the term “Meritage” with the 1985 vintage.
This premier, family-owned winery is now led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. The second generation is dedicated to all aspects of the business, from vine to shelf, with a goal to remain one of the last truly private, family-owned, iconic wineries consistently producing 90+ point wines.
Dry Creek Vineyard is firmly committed to a “No Compromises” philosophy, producing appellation-focused, terroir-driven, varietal-defining wines, including Heritage Vines Zinfandel, which was selected as a Wine Spectator “Top 100” Wine of 2019. Named one of the Top 100 wineries of 2015 by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections.
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.