Dutcher Crossing – 2007 Charles F. Mathy Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon
September 1, 2010
The Facts:
Debra Mathy spent a great deal of time looking for the right Winery before ultimately purchasing Dutcher Crossing. She made most of that journey across states and continents with her Dad. Unfortunately he passed away after battling a long illness before Debra found Dutcher Crossing. However his guiding principles and the road they had traversed together helped her find the Winery she would purchase in 2007. In tribute to her dad Charles F. Mathy, Dutcher Crossing produces a wine each year in his honor. The proceeds from this release benefit Cancer research. The Dutcher Crossing 2007 Charles F. Mathy Tribute is a Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon from Mountain Terraces Vineyard there is some Syrah from Atlas Peak and Merlot from Nelson Vineyard blended in as well. This wine was produced in limited quantities and sells for $39.
Gabe’s Take:
Aromas of deep, dark fruit such as plum, blackberry and currants are all present in the nose of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. Throughout the palate the theme of black fruits continues; layer after layer of dark, juicy flavors emerge. These are both intense and well proportioned, the hallmarks of great mountain fruit. Hints of pine and black pepper spice notes both play a role in the middle and carry forward. Pencil lead, bittersweet dark chocolate and earth in particular all emerge on the lengthy and impressively persistent finish. A host of mineral and spice notes play a throat tingling role on the close as well. This wine has firm, tightly wound tannins that yield with some air.
A few things stand out for me about this Cabernet Sauvignon. First and foremost is that it’s a distinct offering in the Dutcher Crossing Portfolio. More so than the other Cabernet’s they make this one is more classically styled with bigger, firmer, structure. This wine is pretty tasty now, particularly with some air and/or paired with something substantial. My recommendation would be to drink it with a nicely marbled steak right off of your grill. If you have the patience to lay it down this wine will improve in the bottle over the next decade and drink well for several years after that. So for a very reasonable $39 you can both get a terrific wine and help a worthwhile cause. You can’t ask for more than that. Order this through the Dutcher Crossing Website or buy it in their tasting room.
Wilson Winery – 2009 Blushing Syrah Rosé
August 30, 2010
The Facts:
Wilson Winery’s 2009 Blushing Syrah is a single vineyard selection. All of the fruit for this Rosé was sourced at Dorothy’s Vineyard which sits at an elevation of 1,650 feet above sea level. These vines were planted in 1995. Wilson Winery also sources their Estate Syrah at this Vineyard. The effort is 100% Syrah. This wine was barrel fermented in neutral French oak; 30% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. 120 cases of this 2009 Rosé were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $20. Wilson Winery is located at 1960 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 11 AM until 5 PM. Several tasting options are available (some require a prior appointment). They close on some major holidays so check their website for those specific details or call them at 800-433-4602.
Gabe’s Take:
The beautiful, perfectly pink hue is the first thing that becomes apparent about this 2009 Rosé as it’s poured. The nose is filled with aromas of watermelon, citrus and strawberry. Bright, engaging red fruit flavors are the story of the palate; raspberry, cherry, red plum and an underlying layer of fresh, juicy watermelon all play pivotal roles. Some of the fruit picks up a savory edge on the finish and along with some white pepper and additional spice notes, provides a throat tingling close.
There is a lot to like about this 2009 Rosé. First and foremost it’s refreshing and delicious. I found that for me this particular selection was at its best ice cold. This wine is loaded with bright fruit flavors, is perfectly dry and works well by itself or paired with a pretty wide range of foods. This is a terrific example of what Rosé should be.
Pedroncelli – 2005 Four Grapes Vintage Port
August 27, 2010
The Facts:
Pedroncelli’s2005 Four Grapes Vintage Port was produced using grapes sourced at a four acre, estate vineyard that they planted in 1995. This wine is a blend of Tinta Madiera, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional and Souza. These are grapes traditionally used for Port production in Portugal. This release represents the 16th vintage of this dessert wine for Pedroncelli. This selection was aged in mature American Oak barrels for four years. It’s bottled in 500 ml glass and has a suggested retail price of $18.
The Pedroncelli Family has been making wine in Dry Creek since 1927. Their current releases can be tasted daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at the Pedroncelli Tasting room located at 1220 Canyon Road in Geyserville. Often times they will also have something older from the library open to taste, so when you go keep your eyes open for that.
Gabe’s Take:
Pedroncelli Winery was the first producer from Dry Creek Valley that got my attention many years ago. So they’re akin to an old friend, that I enjoy revisiting whenever I can, to catch up with. Their Four Grapes Port has been an excellent value over the years and I’m eager to see how the latest vintage stacks up to its predecessors.
This Port starts off with an intoxicating nose loaded with deep, dark fruit aromas; blackberry and plum are prominent. Throughout the substantial palate, sweet berry fruit flavors abound. Black and red raspberry are joined by subtler blueberry and copious spice notes. The finish has elements of brown sugar and fruitcake spice flavors as well as sweet chocolate notes and black pepper. That finish is lengthy, lusty and impeccably balanced. I paired it with dark chocolate, but honestly this Port is a delicious dessert on its own.
For $18 this Port from Pedroncelli represents an outstanding value. Dessert wines, particularly well made ones such as this don’t often come cheaply. This is a well crafted, age-worthy wine that offers a ton of drinking pleasure. This Port would be a great value if it was in a 375 ml half bottle so typical to dessert wines. But in a 500 ml it’s an even better value. This is no surprise though as the Pedroncelli Family has been making wine at more than fair prices for several generations.
Explore The Green Trail of Dry Creek Valley In Style
August 26, 2010
In addition to the previous opportunity we shared to spend California Wine Month in Dry Creek Valley, now comes word of another exciting option. This one is tailored to those folks who are interested in specifically exploring the wineries that are certified organic and or biodynamic. And additionally this promotion will be available through the end of the year. So if you’re going to spend some time in Dry Creek Valley before 2010 is out, here’s another way to take things to the next level.
What follows is the text of the press release about this event.
h2hotel219 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, Ca 95448
h2hotel is offering the Green Trail of Dry Creek Valley(click for the map) for California Wine Month. The package, starting at $460, includes
The Green Trail of Dry Creek Valley is a special, customized experience for visitors to the Dry Creek Valley who wish to explore the area’s certified organic and certified biodynamic wineries. Participating properties include Hawley Winery, Michel-Schlumberger, Montemaggiore, Preston of Dry Creek, Quivira Vineyards & Winery and Truett Hurst Winery. The Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley™ have partnered with h2hotel to offer visitors to Sonoma County an amazing experience. The tour begins at check-in at the hip, new h2hotel in Healdsburg where you’ll receive a welcome bottle of delicious Dry Creek Valley wine. Then, grab a bicycle and your eco-friendly picnic bag and get on your way! You will receive complimentary wine tastings at each of the participating wineries as you make your way along the tour. You can also expect a lively discussion at each of these wineries about how they became certified organic or biodynamic, how this affects their wine and why they feel it is important to be green!!
h2Hotel is a few blocks from the Healdsburg Plaza. It is the new little sister property to the acclaimed Hotel Healdsburg and features 36 “eco-chic” rooms complete with bamboo floors, balconies or patios, iPod dock, and organic sheets and linens. Hotel guests will find bicycles to borrow, a solar heated creek side pool, fireplace lounge and artisanal cocktails and dining at the modern Mediterranean spoonbar.
The Green Trail Package includes: 2 nights in a standard guest room Welcome bottle of wine from Dry Creek Valley winery Picnic for two packed in your own eco picnic bag with a hearty lunch from h2hotel restaurant spoon bar. (This stylish picnic bag is insulated, waterproof and has a lifetime warranty. It is yours to keep!)Bike rental for two (up to three hours to take The Green Trail) Rates range from $460 midweek to $690 weekend for a standard room. Go to h2hotel.com to book now!
Optional: A Biodynamic Spa add-on treatment at The Spa Hotel Healdsburg- $110 The Spa Hotel Healdsburg’s signature Meyer Lemon and Sage massage, facials or body treatments combine biodynamic and organically grown herbs and flowers with local ingredients (like olive oil and honey from Quivira Vineyards and Winery) to help you revitalize. Go to hotelhealdsburg.com to book now!
Savings midweek is 20%. Weekends no savings. Available through December 2010.Subject to availability. To book the package or learn more, visit h2hotel.com or call 877.342.2022.
Dashe Cellars – 2008 Florence Vineyard Zinfandel
August 23, 2010
The Facts:
Dashe Cellars 2008 Florence Vineyard Zinfandel is a single vineyard offering. 100% of the fruit is Zinfandel and it all comes from the Florence Ranch. This Dry Creek Valley vineyard is owned by the Husband and Wife team of Jack and Fran Florence who are best known for the Rockpile Ranch vineyards. Dashe Cellars started making this wine with the 2005 vintage, when the vineyard first came on line. Fermentation of this offering occurred in custom made gridded tanks using exclusively natural yeast. Barrel aging occurred over 12 months in all French oak, 8% of the barrels were new. The wine was racked approximately every 3 months. Just fewer than 392 cases of this selection were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $32.
Gabe’s Take:
One of the things that stand out to me about Dashe Cellars is the way they continually highlight specific vineyards with their wines. They do make some cuvee style offerings, but the core of their portfolio is the single vineyard releases from Dry Creek Valley and elsewhere. And beyond simply making single vineyard releases their style allows the fruit from these vineyards to shine and tell the story of a specific spot in a given year.
Candied black raspberry, vanilla and violet aromas are all prominent characteristics of this wine’s nose. There is a pure burst of berry fruits throughout the palate of this 2008 Zinfandel. Along with raspberry and blackberry, cherry, cranberry and pomegranate flavors all play a role. They come together to form an expressive and multi-layered palate that has some jam elements at its core. Wild strawberry, cloves, plum pudding spice, and Chocolate Bosco sauce flavors all emerge on the finish which has good length. The 2008 Florence Ranch Zinfandel is a very nicely balanced wine.
This new release from Dashe Cellars was a bit tight out of the bottle. 45 minutes in the decanter really allowed it to blossom and shine. Drink this wine over the next 5-8 years for maximum pleasure. This is another solid, well made wine from Dashe Cellars, grab it while you can.
Forth Vineyards – 2006 Rebecca’s Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
August 20, 2010
The Facts:
Forth Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a single vineyard effort. Fruit for this wine was sourced at Rebecca’s Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. This vineyard is named for their daughter. 205 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $38. Forth Vineyards & Winery has been producing wine in Dry Creek Valley since 1998. Jann and Gerry Forth have 10 acres under vine; all organically farmed. In addition they source some fruit from friends and neighbors. All together they make approximately 2,400 cases of wine each year. Forth Vineyards wines can be tasted seven days a week at the Family Wineries Tasting Room located at 4791 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. You can also make an appointment to taste with the Forth’s at the winery.
Gabe’s Take:
I’ve found the wines from Forth Vineyards to be impressive in general; however it’s their estate offerings that stand out more than the others to me. The care they put into the vineyards comes out in the wines from their home ranch in a very real and vivid way. I’ve really enjoyed previous vintages of the Cabernet Sauvignon from Rebecca’s Vineyard and was excited to taste this latest release.
Dark, brambly fruit aromas underscored by a hint of thyme emerge from the nose of this wine, which is a little reticent at first. It needs some air to really shine and an hour in the decanter works wonders. When you take the first sip of this wine you’re hit with an immense wallop of red and black cherry flavors. More than anything else, cherry flavors are the star of the show here. Spice notes kick in as well and they lead to a lovely finish which includes graham cracker crust characteristics, mineral notes, lots of earth (which emerges as the wine opens) a hint of fennel, dusty baker’s chocolate and toasty oak notes. Good structure and solid acidity keeps things in check.
This Cabernet Sauvignon is another excellent effort from the Forth’s. This is a young wine which will improve in the bottle for a number of years so don’t hesitate to lay it down. More than anything else though, don’t think twice about buying any wine that has the Forth name on it.
Montemaggiore – 2009 Rosé
August 16, 2010
The Facts:
The Montemaggiore 2009 Rosé is an Estate wine. The fruit for this offering was sourced at Paolo’s Vineyard. This mountainside vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is farmed using organic and biodynamic practices. This wine was made entirely from Syrah. It was aged for several months in French oak. A tiny 75 cases of this wine were produced and it sells for $25.
Montemaggiore is a small family owned winery. Their production size varies from year to year but they tend to hover around 1,000 cases. Husband and wife team Lise and Vincent Ciolino each take the reins on winemaking and grape growing respectively. They’re located at 2355 West Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. Tours are available by prior appointment. Visit their website for specific details.
Gabe’s Take:
I’ve long believed that Dry Creek Valley doesn’t have nearly enough Syrah planted or produced there. Syrah can do incredibly well in Dry Creek Valley; this is proven by the handful of really well made examples out there. So of course a producer like Montemaggiore that has Syrah at the center of their entire operation heartens the soul of folks like me, who love this grape. I’d not had the chance to taste their Rosé before so it was with some excitement that I popped the cork on this 2009 wine.
The color of this 2009 Rosé is striking; this wine has a darker, deeper hue than average. Raspberry, strawberry, white pepper and wisps of watermelon and vanilla are present to varying degrees on the nose of this wine. Red fruits are on vivid display throughout the palate. Raspberry, cherry and strawberry are most prominent. They’re joined by a nice complement of spices. A hint of cotton candy emerges towards the back of the palate and leads to the finish which includes cranberry and pomegranate as well as continuing spice, particularly white pepper, as well as light mineral notes. The flavors are clean and crisp, buoyed by firm acidity.
There are a couple things that I look for in Rosé; I want them to be dry, food friendly, refreshing and have some level of complexity. The bottom line on this 2009 release from Montemaggiore is that it achieves all of those things. If you’re looking for a Rosé with some substance this is an offering to seek out.
MoniClaire Vineyards – 2008 Estate Zinfandel
August 13, 2010
The Facts:
MoniClaire Vineyards 2008 Estate Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at their home vineyard. Their vineyards are located at 1750 Lytton Springs Road in Healdsburg. They have 5 acres under vine. The vines are head pruned and the crop yield is closely managed to insure intensity of fruit. Only a couple hundred cases of this wine were produced. The suggested retail price for this Zinfandel is $29.99. MoniClaire Vineyards is an artisan winery in Dry Creek Valley. They’re too small to have regular tasting hours but check their website for specific details on how to contact them so you can schedule a private tasting appointment.
Gabe’s Take:
There are memories and then there are memories. Having had the chance to visit hundreds of wineries over the years I can tell you that those visits come in all shapes and sizes. In Dry Creek Valley, winery visits are almost always special and often they’re intimate and personal. So having visited with just about every winery in DCV at one point or another when I tell you I still smile when I think of my visit with the Smiderle’s I hope you realize how singular it was. Peter and Mary Beth Smiderle are two of the most engaging and friendly folks in a valley loaded with lovely people. They’re a tiny little producer, but if you schedule an appointment they’ll gladly show you their wines. Trust me; it’s an appointment you have to make. So that memory at the forefront of my thoughts I’m very excited to pop the cork on their latest Zinfandel release to see how it stacks up to the previous one that knocked me off my feet with delight.
Dark raspberry and cherry notes along with a hint of vanilla bean all come out in the nose of this 2008 Zinfandel. A medley of berry flavors accompanied by copious spice notes come together to form a nice compote through the palate of this wine. Black cherry pie flavors are particularly dominant and they carry forward through the finish where graham cracker pie crust, earth and a bit of black tea emerge. This wine has soft, lush tannins and more than sufficient acidity. I paired this Zinfandel with Carne Asada and it was a tremendously satisfying match.
I was impressed with how remarkably smooth and silky this wine is. It’s an incredibly easy to drink wine loaded with pleasure. Despite alcohol over 15% this wine doesn’t drink hot at all. This Zinfandel from MoniClaire is a fine wine that will be best in its exuberant youth. Enjoy it over the next 3-5 years for best results.
Wilson Winery -2007 Tori Vineyard Zinfandel
August 11, 2010
The Facts:
The Wilson Winery 2007 Tori Vineyard Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at the vineyard of the same name. Tori Vineyard features unusually deep hillside topsoil. In addition to Zinfandel (95%) this wine also has a small helping of Petite Sirah (5%). The fruit for this wine was hand harvested and fermented in open top vats with three punch downs per day. 361 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $32. Wilson Winery is located at 1960 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 11 AM until 5 PM. Several tasting options are available (some require a prior appointment). They close on some major holidays so check their website for those specific details or call them at 800-433-4602.
Gabe’s Take:
Wilson makes quite an array of distinctive Zinfandels. Sampling a bunch of them side by side in their tasting room is fascinating exercise. It really help anyone who is paying attention learn about basic differences in fruit from one vineyard to another and things of that nature. On the other end of the tasting spectrum I really enjoy sitting down and giving all my attention to one bottle and letting its charms wash over me as I take notes.
Raspberry and wild strawberry aromas lead the nose of this exceptional 2007 Zinfandel. Berry flavors of all stripes are on parade through the full palate of this wine. Those flavors lean dark and are accompanied by spice notes in droves; black pepper and nutmeg are prominent. This Zin has a lengthy finish that shows off copious black tea notes, minerals, earth, espresso and a touch of pencil lead.
Of all the Wilson Zinfandels I have tasted, the Tori Vineyard may well be the most even keeled. It’s marked by solid acidity, and core of solid fruits and spices. This wine will most definitely age nicely over the next 4-6 years and likely drink well for a couple after that. This is one of the very best wines in the Wilson Portfolio.
Collier Falls Vineyards – 2006 Petite Sirah
August 6, 2010
The Facts:
Collier Falls Vineyards 2006 Petite Sirah was produced using fruit from their hillside estate vineyards. This offering is 100% Petite Sirah. Fermentation took place in small Macro T-Bins. Barrel aging occurred over 22 months in a combination of new and used French and American oak. This selection was racked three times prior to bottling. A mere 77 cases of Petite Sirah were produced in the 2006 vintage and it has a suggested retail price of $36. The wines of Collier Falls Vineyards can be tasted daily at the Family Wineries Tasting Room of Dry Creek Valley. It’s located at 4791 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM daily.
Gabe’s Take:
Petite Sirah is without question one of my major weaknesses in the wine world. I get excited about tasting them, no matter what the circumstances. While there are other areas in California that grow solid Petite Sirah it really thrives in Dry Creek Valley. Barry Collier’s previous vintage of this wine really impressed me so I was itching to pull the cork on this one and see how it stacks up.
Blueberry and violet aromas are the primary characteristics in the nose of this 2006 Petite Sirah. The blueberry theme continues right through palate where it’s joined by dark plum flavors and a nice complement of fruitcake spices. Dark chocolate notes and a hint of mint emerge in the finish along with earth and both white and black pepper. The wine is gloriously dry and that’s apparent on the lengthy finish which grips the back of the throat quite nicely. This gorgeous Petite Sirah from Collier Falls has the structure of a well made Cabernet Sauvignon and the deep, dark almost mysterious flavors typical to top shelf Petite Sirah.
There are numerous reasons I love Petite Sirah as a varietal. Its big structure and dark brooding nature are one. Another is the way well made examples of this varietal age. I’ve found that as great Petite ages it often gets softer and earthier with its layers of complexity becoming more readily apparent. This 2006 Petite Sirah from Collier Falls has all those things I look for in a Petite Sirah. While it’s delicious now in its bold and brash youth I expect it to evolve beautifully over the next 10 – 15 years. It’s solid acidity and yielding tannins provide the structure that will allow this one to go quite a ways. If you do decide to drink it now I recommend decanting it for about 90 minutes. If you’re like me, and the very thought of excellent Petite Sirah makes your knees buckle and your heart skip a beat, you owe it to yourself to try this release.
