Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2019
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
This vintage presents alluring aromatics of blackberry, boysenberry and fresh raspberry with notes of cocoa powder, cardamom, toasty cedar and nutmeg. On the palate, brambly layers of black cherry, blackberry and boysenberry come forward with nuances of coriander, marzipan and espresso. 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.
Blend: 78% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignane
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel delivers well on the palate as it stays true to the grape variety. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of raspberry and bramble berries. Enjoy it with grilled lamb shanks. (Tasted: October 17, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Zinfandel Old Vine is also terrific, with a rounded, medium-bodied, seamless texture to go with lots of plum and darker strawberry fruits, supple yet present tannins, a great mid-palate, and notes of spice, licorice, and damp earth. It will drink nicely for 4-6 years, if not longer.
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Wine Enthusiast
With 19% Petite Sirah and 3% Carignan, this old-vine red shows a wealth of baked fruit, brick, oak and leather characteristics. Round and rich, it delivers balance and underlying elegance, with soft, supple tannins and touches of black tea and backing spice. The vines average more than 100 years in age.
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Wine Spectator
A briar patch in a bottle, this Zinfandel is loaded with zesty black raspberry, grilled anise and green peppercorn flavors that expand and build density on the finish.
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Wine & Spirits
The summery side of zinfandel, this has the chew of the ripe skin of a bright-red cherry tomato, along with brisk acidity that seems to cool the warmth of the tannins—like the warm-cool shifts in a September breeze. The fruit is full enough to fill out the tannins, ending clean with lingering floral spice. Tim Bell sources this fruit from vines averaging more than 100 years of age, including some petite sirah and carignan.
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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.