A. Rafanelli – 2005 Zinfandel
February 28, 2009
The Facts:
A. Rafanelli is a legendary Dry Creek Valley Vintner. Their production is highly allocated between a large Wine Club, and long standing restaurant accounts. A few cases also make it to distributors and retailers, most of which also have long relationships with the winery. They make a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Merlot, but Zinfandel is their calling card. The wines from A. Rafanelli sell for about $4o.
Gabe’s Take:
Previous to this bottle, my last experience with A. Rafanelli Winery, was a visit I made to their facility, to taste a couple of years back. While not as hard as finding their wine at retail, getting an appointment isn’t exactly a cake walk either. I found the tasting room (the barrel room really) experience to be unique and the wine lived up to the hype. So a couple of years later, I was curious if the Zinfandel would still impress me.
Both red and black raspberry fruit notes fill the nose of the 2005 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel. Taking the initial sips, I found this wine to be tight and in need of a solid decanting. Two hours of air is what was really needed to let this still young Zinfandel shine. Once it did open up then palate showed kirsch liqueur, and a persistent core of rich and mouth-filling berry fruit. Sour cherry is the most prominent characteristic of the finish along with vanilla and mineral notes. This is a classically styled, well balanced Zinfandel that has excellent structure and good acidity. It’s a cinch to match with your Grandmother’s Sunday pasta, with red sauce.
What I love about Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel in general, is that quite a few of them are built to age. This 2005 from A. Rafanelli fits right into that category. While it’s delicious now, this wine will get better over the next 3-5 years and drink well for a few after that. If you can get your hands on any wines from A. Rafanelli, do yourself a favor and grab them. Don’t tell your friends though; they might want you to share your supply.
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Thumbprint Cellars – 2007 Preston Vineyard Viognier
February 25, 2009
The Facts:
The 2007 Thumpbrint Cellars Preston Vineyard Viognier is made from organic fruit. Preston of Dry Creek is, of course, a well regarded Dry Creek Valley producer, in their own right, in addition to being a grower. 250 cases of this single Vineyard Viognier were produced, and the suggested retail price is $29.
Gabe’s Take:
I first became aware of Viognier, years ago, when I was looking for a Chardonnay alternative. And while I often find examples of Viognier I like, there are few that really blow me away. So as I approach a Viognier, I always wonder which category it’ll fall into.
This example from Thumbprint Cellars has an effusive nose loaded with apricot, gooseberry, honey and pear. The palate has a round, rich, lush mouth feel that envelopes your taste buds with stone fruit, honey and a touch of citrus peel. The long, lingering finish has continued fruit notes, as well as white pepper, and mineral characteristics. This wine has tremendous acidity and will pair well with a ton of lighter cuisine. I also found it enjoyable on its own.
The bottom line for me is that the Thumbprint Cellars Preston Vineyard Viognier is one of the rare Viogniers that truly knocked me out. It has a level of complexity in the palate, and though the finish, that is rarely seen in Viognier from California. If you like Viognier, this is what you’ve been waiting for, go grab it.
Dave’s Take:
One doesn’t need a degree in forensic science to determine that Thumbprint Cellars 2007 Viognier is a fine example of the varietal. What I often like about Viogniers in general, is the floral nose. This one did not disappoint. In fact, this bottle was a bit more interesting than normal with its limestone, apricot and pear components. The limestone was a surprise, but most definitely there (and enjoyable). This is a well structured wine that should drink best with food. Just about any cheese would go well; I had a hankering for goat cheese at the time.
I really enjoyed this wine, but had never come across it before. I felt I needed to learn more about it, who was the winemaker, etc. After some careful investigation my conclusion is it must have been Scott Lindstrom-Dake, in Preston Vineyard, with a wine bottle. Sorry for running with the Thumbprint theme, but I was always a sucker for Clue – thanks Parker Brothers!
This winery is also making a splash with their tasting room. Apparently, the Thumbprint Cellars Tasting Lounge is just that, a lounge (complete with a disco ball). This may sound a bit garish, but online user reviews point to this being one of the coolest tasting rooms around. I will definitely stop here on my next trip.
To sum things up – if you like flowers, fruit, sucking on limestone, and Clue this is a good fit. The only crime would be to never put your hands on a bottle of this (just don’t put your hands on mine or I’m dusting for prints).
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Taste – The Autobiography of Anthony Terlato
February 23, 2009
Taste, the autobiography of Anthony Terlato could be described in a number of ways. For me though, it’s best described as a classic American success story. The book charts his rise from a Brooklyn upbringing in a tight knit Italian family, through a move to Chicago, to start a liquor store. That one shop and the wise decisions he made along the way led to an empire that is now the Terlato Wine Group.
Anthony Terlato’s autobiography is an excellent and enjoyable read, as well as a feel good story. Along the way, as he recounts both his successes, as well as a handful of mistakes, family is a theme he keeps going back to. The success of his business can be attributed not only to his actual family, but in no small part the fact that he seems to conduct his business in a similarly familiar manner. It’s obvious from reading his story that he takes a vested interest in equitable relationships with business partners that will make both sides money.
Another theme that rings out again and again is quality. Every step of the way, his businesses have considered quality first it seems when making any decision. One of the more fascinating details was his description of their company’s annual ritual of testing out brands of canned tomatoes each year for quality. Once they determined what brand was best, they bought enough for the year. These tomatoes, along with a host of other food products that are tested in a similar manner, are used to entertain colleagues, clients and potential business partners throughout the year during lunches and dinner they host at their headquarters.
This attention to detail and quality, eventually led to the accomplishments that helped make the Terlato Wine Group such a huge success. It was Terlato who found Santa Margherita, and launched it in the US, making it a household name along the way. Their other import clients are a who’s who of well regarded names at every conceivable price point, most with big time reputations over the long haul.
All of this eventually led to Terlato Wine Group becoming a producer. They own several properties now. One of them is Dry Creek Valley’s own Alderbrook. When they took it over quality had waned. They’ve spent the ensuing time, bringing quality back up to snuff. I took a look at one of their Zinfandels and you can read about that here. They’ve also created Terlato Family Vineyards which sources fruit from different appellations in California, looking for the best each region has to offer. In Dry Creek Valley they source a Syrah, which we’ve reviewed here at Drink Dry Creek.
Each chapter in Taste ends with a couple of Anthony Terlato’s family recipes. A lot of time is spent talking about food and its relationship to wine. The recipes are certainly helpful because reading this book is going to make you hungry.
The bottom line for me is that Taste is very entertaining and informative. The story of Anthony Terlato is one that anyone interested in the American wine scene should know. Much credit has rightly been given to Robert Mondavi for what did to elevate the place of wine in the Unites States. It’s quite clear Anthony Terlato did more than his piece too, hopefully this book will open the public’s eyes to that.
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Terlato Family Vineyards – 2005 Syrah
February 23, 2009
The Facts:
The 2005 Terlato Family Vineyards Syrah is 100% varietal. This wine spent 17 months in French oak, of which 30% was new. 2,400 cases of this wine were produced, and the suggested retail price is $35.
Gabe’s Take:
Immediately upon opening the nose of this wine was dominated by smoke, berry and tar notes. Once it had a chance to open up in the decanter, the tar notes blew off and the berry notes became prominent. When I took the first sip, I was greeted by deep, dark fruit throughout the persistent, layereed palate. These characteristics were accompanied by reminders of bacon fat and cured pastrami. Both white and black pepper spice emerged on the finish along with dust and mineral notes. I enjoyed this wine with a grilled steak and baked potato drenched in sour cream, they meshed wonderfully.
What I most enjoyed about this Syrah is it’s complexity and ability to pair well with my meal. That last part is owed to it having more in common with a Syrah from the Rhone than an Aussie Shiraz.
Dave’s Take:
I first came upon a bottle from Terlato Family Vineyards quite by accident… I nearly tripped over it as I walked into my house. I’m still not sure what possesses a particular wine club to deliver me shipments to my front stoop in a brown paper bag, but boy am I glad that they do. Ironically, I shared this bottle with my good friend Gabe over a year ago before a Bruce Springsteen concert. At the time we both felt we had to look closer at this gem of a winery. I drank another bottle of wine; Gabe read a book (damned intellectual).
So here I am, a year plus later, swirling another wine ‘round my glass from Terlato. All signs are excellent from the onset. A nice smoky aroma on the nose gave way to layers of cherry, pepper, eucalyptus and even a touch of coca-cola (generally found in Pinot Noir). This wine is so interesting I could hardly pay attention to Gabe. Funny, but I didn’t pay him much attention at the Springsteen concert either. Is this a trend or do we simply enjoy too many great things together? I really love this wine; it has a robust, smoky, fruit forward flavor that is so typical of the Dry Creek Valley.
What’s next for me and the Terlato Family Vineyards? I’m not sure, but hopefully I’ll be brown bagging it.
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Alderbrook Vineyards & Winery – 2003 Old Vine Zinfandel
February 23, 2009
The Facts:
Alderbrook Vineyards & Winery is part of the Terlato Wine Group. In addition to this Old Vines Zinfandel, they make several vineyard designates. The suggested retail price for this wine is $19. While this review is of the 2003, at press time the current vintage of this release was the 2006.
Gabe’s Take:
Is there anything more quintessentially Dry Creek Valley than Old Vine Zinfandel? Some other things come close, but when I think of how much I love the wines of Dry Creek Valley, my first thoughts are usually of tremendous Zinfandels. When I went to taste this 2003 Zinfandel from Alderbrook Vineyards & Winery it occurred to me that I hadn’t had any of their wine in awhile. The fact that it’s now part of the Terlato Wine Group, gave me confidence that this would be a solid wine.
The nose of this 2003 Zinfandel is filled with berry fruit, black pepper, dark plum, eucalyptus, and blueberry notes. The palate featured a solid, medium-bodied core of persistent raspberry, spice and bramble notes. Towards the finis, Bing cherry notes emerge and are joined by earth, bramble, spice, and Dry Creek dust. This wine has terrific acidity, good balance and it’s very smooth. I found it was a great match for a dish of pasta with Bolognese sauce.
What I liked best about this Zinfandel is that it’s not made in an eye-popping style. Those huge, jam laden, have their place and certainly make an impression at tastings, but often don’t work well with food. This Old Vine Zin from Alderbrook Vineyards & Winery, sticks its head out the window, and begs for food.
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Mia’s Playground – 2005 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
February 19, 2009
The Facts:
The 2005 Mia’s Playground Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is 100% varietal from Dry Creek Valley. The fruit all comes from 100 year old vines. Alcohol 14.8%, PH 3.69, TA 0.65 mg. In 2004 Don Sebastiani & Sons established the Three Loose Screws wine company to produce upscale, moderately priced, varietal wines. A few more of the various labels under Three Loose Screws include Pepperwood Grove, Aquinas, and Smoking Loon. Mia’s Playground Zinfandel most often sells for between $17 & $20.
Dave’s Take:
Wow…what a chick pleaser. Two things struck me immediately about this bottle, strawberry fields forever and dark fresh cherries. The fruit is a bit bright for my taste, but as I’ve expressed before, I like spicy dirt, and that seems to be an acquired taste. Upon further evaluation there is a bit more going on with this wine than I initially thought. Throw in a touch of oregano wash it down with a light cup of coffee. End it all with a touch of cinnamon and cloves on the finish. There’s your playground Mia, and it’s like no other.
So here’s what I think, this wine is fruity enough for the non wine-drinking crowd, somewhat interesting for the connoisseurs, and sexy enough to score you points with the ladies. There’s not a lot of body, but hopefully your lover can provide that. How can you go wrong? I don’t think this will become a serious wine drinker’s favorite wine, but because of its easy drinking, it may become a staple for the right occasions.
Ben Franklin was incomplete when he said, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” As a married man (who wants to stay that way) I’m just as certain to watch the Lifetime Channel with an occasional bottle of Mia’s Playground.
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Pedroncelli – 2006 Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
February 19, 2009
The Facts:
The 2006 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from all Estate, Dry Creek fruit. This wine is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. This wine was aged in oak for 12 months. The suggested retail price is $15.
Gabe’s Take:
Pedroncelli Winery has been around since 1927. In all that time they’re still a family business. In today’s world of corporate takeovers, the wine industry has not gone unaffected. Yet Pedroncelli keeps on keeping on generation after generation.
Blueberry and cherry along with undertones of cedar form the core of this Cabernet’s nose. Subtle eucalyptus also creeps in and makes its presence known. Throughout the palate a rich core of berry and plum fruit notes are the stars. The finish shows black tea, mineral notes and close spice. The tannins are firm but approachable and this wine has fine acidity and balance. This wine will pair with a wider range of foods than the average Cabernet Sauvignon.
What I like best about this 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Pedroncelli is how smooth and accessible it is right now. Its lush mouth-feel makes it easy to drink. Meanwhile it still has a firm enough structure to hold onto and drink nicely for the next 3-4 years. This wine is a fine example of some of the offerings coming out of Dry Creek Valley at a modest price.
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Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves – 2006 Belle Canyon Zinfandel
February 18, 2009
The Facts:
The 2006 Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves, Belle Canyon Zinfandel is 100% varietal. This is a single vineyard wine. It was aged in a combination of French and American Oak for 16 months. 20% of the barrels were new. Production was limited to 600 cases and the suggested retail price for this Zinfandel is $35.
Gabe’s Take:
A few months ago I tasted three other Zinfandels from Bella Vineyards 2006 vintage. They were uniformly excellent. So much so, that I was pretty excited to have the opportunity to taste this single vineyard offering.
Plum, blueberry, cassis and a bit of vanilla fill the nose, which is slightly muted at first. This wine needs some air to really bloom. I found that an hour in the decanter (half that if you use the Soiree) did the trick. Once this Zinfandel opens up, it reveals a core of berry fruits highlighted by cherry, blueberry and boysenberry in what proved to be a roaring palate. All of the rich, mouth-filling fruit leads to an earth, chicory, nutmeg, mineral and a hint of cream with dark dusty bakers chocolate notes in a lingering and lusty finish. This wine is impeccably balanced with good acidity and built to enjoy with food.
Each of the Zinfandels I’ve tasted from Bella Vineyards has been incredibly impressive, the 2006 Belle Canyon falls right in line with my previous experience. This Zinfandel is a big, rich, round wine, but never over done, and that’s what I liked best about it. This wine will have a longer shelf life than the average Zinfandel. Look for it to improve over the next 3-5 years and drink well for several after that. This wine really fulfills the promise of what truly great Dry Creek Valley Zin is all about.
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Dry Creek Vineyard – 2006 DCV10 Chardonnay
February 9, 2009
The Facts:
This 2006 Chardonnay from Dry Creek Vineyard was produced from fruit sourced in Russian River Valley. It’s 100% Chardonnay and was aged in French oak for 16 months. 970 cases were produced and the suggested retail price is $30.
Gabe’s Take:
The nose of this Chardonnay is filled with Orchard fruit notes and a hint of clove, Throughout the palate this wine is round, soft, lush and mouth-filling. Asian pear and mango notes emerge prominently in the mid-palate and carry through to the finish, which also features rich cream, nutmeg and caramel covered apple notes. The tail end of the finish also shows a solid wallop of vanilla.
What I like best about this wine is that it tastes like Chardonnay. Too often in California this grape is cloaked in an impenetrable layer of oak. Not so here. There is certainly oak present, but it never detracts from the glorious, fresh fruit flavors.
Dave’s Take:
Perhaps the best review I can give a wine is to tell you that I forgot I was reviewing it to begin with. As I was drinking my (first) glass, I looked down and was surprised to see that I had finished it already. Everything about this wine is easy. Easy on the nose with lots of tropical fruit and a bit of fig. If you are what you drink than I am now the most well balanced individual you’ll ever meet. It is rare these days for me to have a California Chardonnay that drinks this well. The amount of oak was perfect as was the acidity. Honestly this is everything I look for in a Chardonnay: full bodied, buttery, good fruit (a lot of green apple and pineapple), well balanced, and easy to drink. This wine will be easy to pair with food, personally I had a hankering for a pork chop topped with a mango salsa . . .a little too specific? Oh well.
When I used to think of Dry Creek Vineyards my mind would go immediately to red wines (and good ones at that). I am happy to say that this is no longer the case. I can’t wait to rush out and try a few more whites from this winery, it has been somewhat of a staple for me over the years. Even if you don’t think you like Chardonnay, or have tired of it, you owe it to yourself to try this one.
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Christopher Creek – 2004 Finlay’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
February 9, 2009
The Facts:
Although Christopher Creek is a Russian River Valley based winery, they source grapes for several wines in Dry Creek Valley. This 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit grown in Finlay’s Vineyard, on Bradford Mountain, in Dry Creek. This offering is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon. The balance is Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This wine was aged in French oak for 18 months. Finlay is the dog who guards the vineyard. 590 cases were produced and the suggested retail price is $32.
Gabe’s Take:
This wine was tight coming out of the bottle and clearly needed some time to breathe. We made use of the Soirée which Dave reviewed. I’d had some experience with it previously, but this sold me, as this Cabernet opened up quickly after that. The nose was filled with an avalanche of vibrant plum and blueberry notes. Taking the first sip, I found the palate to have a solid core of rich berry fruit. Black pepper emerged as well and lead to a long, lingering finish that featured dark, dusty baker’s chocolate, copious earth notes and a hint of mineral.
What most impressed me about this wine is its impeccable balance. Make no mistake, it’s a big, brawny cab, best paired with similarly hefty foods. However, it’s all kept in check by a solid core of acidity. While this wine is terrific now, I expect it to improve over the next five years, and drink well for several after that. If this bottle said Napa on it instead of Dry Creek, it would easily retail for twice the price.
Dave’s Take:
There once was a wine from Dry Creek
That I found had a bit of Mystique
Better try it today
Barked their Doggie Finlay
It’ll probably sell out in a Week
If you didn’t guess already, Christopher Creek Winery resides on Limerick Lane in Healdsburg. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I can’t help myself when it comes to drinking good wine either – and that brings me to Christopher Creek. This was the first wine that I’ve tried from this producer and I was duly impressed. The intense dark fruit on the nose had me from the beginning. With Pomegranate and plum on the mid-palate not to mention the clove and chocolate overtones- what’s not to like? This wine is terrific now and I’m sure it’ll be even better in a couple of more years. With only 600 cases produced I am glad that I got the opportunity to review it. Christopher Creek is already on the itinerary for my next visit. If this bottle is any indication, I may have struck pay dirt! If this wine is an anomaly, at least I like dogs…Here Finlay!
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