Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2017
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
The complexity of our Old Vine Zinfandel lies in the spicy notes that are unique to these historic properties. This vintage presents alluring aromatics of blackberry, boysenberry and dried cranberry with notes of cocoa powder, cardamom, vanilla bean, and fine leather. On the palate, brambly layers of black cherry, blackberry, and black raspberry come forward with nuances of nutmeg and white pepper. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by a long, lingering finish. The tannins are structured, but soft, and lend a round, rich mouthfeel.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has seriously fresh and deep aromas of ripe red plums that build into a palate that is packed with rich flavors of dark berries, plums and chocolate. Great depth here. 76% zinfandel, 22% petite sirah and 2% carignan. Drink or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel is a masterful wine. Its powerful personality is well-balanced and refined. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits excellent aromas and flavors of crushed blackberries and a hint of oak. Enjoy it with BBQ brisket. (Tasted: May 6, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Connoisseurs' Guide
This is just good, old-fashioned, right-down-the pike, ripe, nicely balanced Zinfandel. Its fruit is well-concentrated and accessible yet has a nice bit of vitality that keeps things going across the palate and into a clean and continuous finish. There are plenty of bigger and bolder Zins to be had, but few of them offer any more to like when all is said and done. We would partner it with red-sauced pastas today, and, if it is put away for a few years, it will fit well with roasted pork loins.
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Wine Spectator
Dense and gutsy, this bruiser offers rustic black cherry, dried sage and smoked pepper flavors that build toward firm tannins. Best after 2020.
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Wine Enthusiast
From vines averaging 100 years in age, this hearty wine brings blackberry jam, vanilla and black cherry to the fore. Thick tannins support a full-bodied palate, highlighted in black pepper and baking spice.
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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.