Frei Brothers – 2007 Reserve Zinfandel
July 31, 2009
The Facts:
The 2007 Frei Brothers Reserve Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is comprised of 92% Zinfandel and 8% Petite Sirah. 85% of the grapes come from Dry Creek with the remaining 15% coming from Russian River. There were a total of 8,400 cases produced. The suggested retail price is $19.99
Dave’s Take:
Gabe and I reviewed the Frei Brothers Reserve Merlot on July 7th; today I am tackling their 2007 Reserve Zinfandel. Needless to say, after being impressed by the quality of their Merlot I was a little nervous to see if the Zinfandel would hold up. I’m pleased to say that it does.
There is no doubt that this is a Dry Creek Zin. How great is it that such a well distributed wine got it right. There is an abundance of blackberry and blueberry on the nose. This continues on the palate with a nice raspberry jam chiming in, although this is not at all overly jammy. A nice black pepper / cinnamon combination settles over the palate for a respectable finish. Decent structure and soft tannins reveal that this is made to drink now through the next couple of years. A nice wine at a good price and you can find it at your local wine shop: what more can you ask?!
I am convinced that Frei Brothers Reserve wines are probably some of the best of the Gallo family of wines. A quick check of winesearcher.com found that this selection averages $16-$17; the QPR on this is quite high.
A mission statement can be found on the Frei Brothers website: “Keeping with the tradition established by Andrew Frei in 1890, Frei Brothers Reserve wines are crafted to reveal the personality of the land and bring out the natural expression of the fruit.” This is evident in the varietals I have tasted thus far. The Gallo’s continue to be a huge presence on the California wine scene and people will have differing opinions regarding that. I am happy to say that Gallo is not simply a jug wine producer as they are often portrayed. If you doubt me – try these Dry Creek selections and let us know what you think.
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Michel-Schlumberger – 2006 “La Brume” Chardonnay
July 31, 2009
The Facts:
The 2006 Michel-Schlumberger “La Brume” Chardonnay is 100% Dijon clone estate fruit. It was pressed and then allowed to settle in stainless steel tanks. It was then racked and immediately moved to spend 8 months in French oak for fermentation and aging on the lees. Total case production was 1,472 and the suggested retail price is $32.00
Dave’s Take:
If you don’t think that a great Chardonnay can come from outside Napa then you haven’t made it to Dry Creek. Mike Brunson from Michel-Schlumberger is not the only winemaker to excel with this grape in Dry Creek Valley, but this may be the most unique example that I’ve tasted to date.
This well balanced wine is not your typical over-oaked Chardonnay from California. What a delight to taste the grapes. A smidgen of oak is present, but the fruit is the shining star. The nose is filled with green apples and vanilla. On the palate this theme continues adding pear, butterscotch, honeysuckle and even a bit of ginger. The finish leaves you with a bit of lime zest. Terrific minerality and even better acidity simply acknowledge what I already know – this is a very special wine. I love this left of center chardonnay, it is successfully made in a French style – with the terroir of Dry Creek Valley this is a winning combination. I highly recommend pairing this with lighter fare, chicken or seafood. This would be awesome with Mediterranean style grilled scallops
I promise you three things with this bottle: 1) it makes an impression; 2) it is very food friendly; 3) you will not be sorry you tried it. Whether you like it or not is up to you, but I haven’t had a lot of chardonnays that have made me stop and say “wow!” this is one of them. I think you’ll enjoy the experience of tasting this wine regardless of whether you love it as much as I do. As for Mike Brunson and the Michel-Schlumberger Winery, I am a fan.
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Puccioni Vineyards – 2006 Petite Sirah
July 30, 2009
The Facts:
Puccioni Vineyards is a Dry Creek Valley producer that makes mostly Zinfandel. Their Estate vineyard property has been in the family for over 100 years. The 2006 Petite Sirah, a single vineyard offering however, was produced from fruit owner/winemaker Glenn Proctor sourced at Lambert Bridge Vineyard. Aging was accomplished in a combination of French and American oak barrels over 18 months. A mere 50 cases of this offering were produced. The suggested retail price is $30.
Gabe’s Take:
As I prepared to drink this wine, it occurred to me that Puccioni Vineyards had knocked me out twice. The first time was when I tasted their Zinfandel a few months ago, the second time was back in April when Dave and I went to Passport and had the opportunity to tour the vineyard with Glenn Proctor and meet some of his family. Both the experience with the wine and the personal interaction are exactly what you would hope for. So uncorking and decanting this Petite Sirah I was a little skittish. I wanted my third Puccioni experience to be as excellent as the first couple; could it live up to my expectations? Oh and did I mention that Petite Sirah is one of my absolute favorite varietals?
After the wine had been in the decanter for about 45 minutes I poured and took my first sip. It was still tight, but seemed very promising. Awhile later, probably after another 45 minutes I went back. The result? This 2006 Petite Sirah was ready, willing and able to sing. Cedar, plum and blackberry came out in a very inviting nose. The palate is full bodied and kept coming in wave after wave of glorious flavor featuring dark fruit, additional cedar spice, chocolate and cherries, oh the cherries! Earth, dust, dark unsweetened baker’s chocolate, black pepper, and cinnamon emerge on the finish along with touches of white pepper and vanilla. This wine has firm tannins and excellent acidity. This Petite Sirah will be an excellent match for traditional Sunday dinner at your Italian Grandmothers house. I hope for your sake you have one.
Suffice it to say Puccioni Vineyards knocked me on my keister a third time. I’m duly impressed with what Glenn is doing only a few vintages in, and genuinely excited to taste what emerges from his winery in the upcoming years. I fully expect this Petite Sirah to improve in the cellar for a minimum of 7-8 years and drink well for a handful after that.
Dave’s Take:
There are few experiences in Dry Creek that can compare with the time we spent with Glenn Proctor and Puccioni Vineyards during passport weekend. His enthusiasm for the wine and for preserving his family history in the valley show through in his assortment of limited production wines. I was extremely excited to review his Petite Sirah.
I always take a small sip when I first crack a bottle of wine. While I know that it needs to breathe I like to see where the wine goes. On first sip I knew I had to strap in and wait a bit. I don’t mind decanting, the end result is normally worth the wait, but I also understand how the American public tends to crack and pour. Please don’t do that with this Petite Sirah – it will reward you for every moment of anticipation. Two hours in the decanter definitely seems about the necessary time in the decanter, but I found this got better over the course of several hours. This attests to its age-ability. If you must crack and pour please use an aerator.
The most prominent note on the nose was succulent ripe cherries accompanied by a bit of cocoa. This remained on the palate adding in my favorite deep dark earthy flavors a bit of mushroom, bramble, and cedar. Loads more of dark berry fruit – blackberry, blueberry continue to emerge. Along with the earthiness the chocolate notes continue to come out a bit more through the finish adding in notes of black pepper and spice.
This is a very serious wine for the $30 asking price. We often speak of the value in Dry Creek, this is one of them. Can you imagine if only 50 cases of a quality Petite Sirah were produced by a well known Napa winery? This is the reason we write about these wines – this is why we love Dry Creek. Don’t miss out on this one, you won’t regret it.
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Visiting Mounts Family Winery
July 29, 2009
The Facts:
Mounts Family Winery is a small family owned and run operation in Dry Creek Valley. While they are relatively new as a Winery, the Mounts family have a 50 year history as growers. They currently make approximately 2,500 cases of wine with plans to expand to 5,000 cases in the future.
Gabe’s Take:
Based on some comments I’d heard from a handful of folks I was very much looking forward to my visit at Mounts Family Winery. When I made my way to their cellar door, Rich Mounts was there pouring for a family. He greeted me warmly and asked of wanted to taste. Of course the answer was yes, The lineup the day I made it to Mounts was five wines.
I tasted through all five starting with the Two Creeks Rosé, to their Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc & Petite Sirah. I found each of the offerings to be a well crafted, tasty selection that featured true Dry Creek character. However my favorites were the Rosé and the Petite Sirah. Each of these had some unique characteristics that helped them stand out from others in their category.
The bottom line if you’re thinking about visiting Mounts Family Winery is the combination of warm hospitality and tasty, well made wines. Rich Mounts was a very gregarious host. He happily answered each and every question myself and the other visitors had. Having been a grower for so long Rich has terrific insights into both the art of grape growing and the history of Dry Creek Valley. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the wines are very reasonably priced.
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Zichichi Family Vineyard – 2008 Petite Sirah
July 27, 2009
The Facts:
In 2000 the Zichichi Family moved to Dry Creek Valley and purchased a 22 acre ranch. They make two Zinfandels, A Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. 4 of their acres are planted to Petite Sirah. Their 2008 Petite Sirah (100% varietal) was tasted from barrel. This wine will be released in the spring 0f 2010. 400 Cases are being produced. It’s currently available to order as a future through the winery in six bottle increments for $240 ($40 per bottle).
Gabe’s Take:
Tasting from barrel can be a tricky thing. Wines that are not far enough along can be interesting to taste but those who don’t have experience with barrel samples might have a hard time projecting where the wine is going to go. That said, I rarely turn down a taste of Petite Sirah under any circumstances, so when Zichichi offered me a barrel sample I jumped at the chance.
The nose of this 2008 Petite Sirah offers classic characteristics of violets, plum and blueberries along with touches of cinnamon and nutmeg. Blueberry pie notes are the main story of the palate which is rich and full, with chewy tannins. Even at this young age it’s easy to see what a big, bold, exuberant wine this is going to be upon release. It also features good acidity which keeps things in check.
This Petite Sirah is sure to be delicious when it’s released next spring, heck it’s very tasty now. However if you have the patience to tuck this offering away my recommendation is to lose it in a dark, cool corner of your cellar until about 2015 and then drink it over the next 5 years. That extra time will really allow it to come together and become even more special than it already is. One word of caution, they have already sold about 300 cases of this wine in advance, they expect it to be all gone before 2009 takes its last breath. If you’re interested, now is the time to grab it.
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Forth Vineyards – 2004 Estate Syrah, La Rousse Vineyard
July 22, 2009
The Facts:
Forth Vineyards is a small production (2,400 total cases), family run winery located in Dry Creek Valley. Overseeing 10 organically grown acres, Jann and Gerry Forth are the “4 hands” responsible for these quality wines. Their Estate Syrah is comprised of fruit grown in their own “La Rousse Vineyard” named for Jann’s Red Hair. Alcohol is 14.4%. 349 cases were produced. The suggested retail price is $24.00
Dave’s Take:
I was very excited to try Forth Vineyards 2004 Syrah for two reasons. This was my first time trying a selection from this winery and I haven’t had a Dry Creek Syrah since March. Has Gabe been snatching all of the Syrah for himself? Well Gabe, even Syrah lovers such as yourself slip up now and then and man did you miss out.
My first impression of this wine came from its deeply dark garnet hue, proof that this bottle has been given a little time to improve. The 2004 vintage is the current release. The Forths should be commended for not releasing this too soon because it is fabulous now. The nose is filled with smoked meats, berry fruit, and leather. The palate is treated to more smoked meat, blackberries, blueberries, as well as some floral notes on the mid-palate. Black pepper, sage, currant and cedar grab hold of your taste buds for a lengthy finish in a last attempt to give you a memorable experience – and it succeeds. This is a well balanced, medium bodied wine that is simply elegant and will go great with food. French cuisine would be my first thought, but the Forths recommend trying this with spicy Asian food. I can’t wait to try this with Thai food. It drinks so well now I recommend that you do so, but I feel it has the structure to age for a couple more years.
I really enjoyed this wine quite a bit, in particular the elegance that a couple of extra years of aging can do for a well made wine. I also like the fact that this bottle is true to its terroir and yet quite different from most of the Dry Creek syrah I’ve had in the past. Don’t hesitate to try this one, Go FORTH and buy it.
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Dogwood Cellars – 2006 Dry Creek Valley Syrah
July 21, 2009
The Facts:
Dogwood Cellars is a Mendocino based producer that sources fruit from a handful of California appellations. The 2006 Dry Creek Syrah is made from Syrah (93%) sourced at Unti Vineyards and Zinfandel (7%) from Brutocao Vineyards. Aging was accomplished over 18 months in French oak barrels. A mere 192 cases of this offering were produced and the suggested retail price is $30.
Gabe’s Take:
There are some excellent examples of Syrah coming out of Dry Creek Valley. Unti Vineyards is particularly adept at making their own. So I was curious to see what someone else would do with their fruit. I’m also fond of the wines Brutocao is making up in Mendocino as detailed over at Gabe’s View, so the fact that a small percentage of fruit was sourced from them added to the intrigue for me before I ever popped the cork on this selection.
Leather, dark berry and cedar are all part of this Syrah’s nose. The first word I think of when taking a sip of this offering is juicy. Light and dark layers of rich berry fruit alternate through the palate along with hints of chicory and baker’s chocolate. Smoke, bacon fat, hints of tar, smoked meats and fruitcake spices all emerge in the lingering finish. This wine has terrific acidity and is very well balanced.
If you pop the cork, pour and drink this wine in quick succession you’re going to miss the boat on this offering. Decant it for at least an hour and you’ll start to get an idea what the full potential of this Syrah is, give it two hours and you’ll be even more impressed. Dogwood Cellars took some Dry Creek fruit from a terrific grower, added in a splash of brighter Mendocino Zinfandel and created an excellent wine. With less than 200 cases out there, it’s unlikely to last long. Well worth seeking out.
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Pedroncelli – 2008 Dry Rosé of Zinfandel
July 20, 2009
The Facts:
While many wineries are thankfully bucking the White Zinfandel trend by making a Dry Rosé, Pedroncelli has nothing to buck. These stalwarts of the Dry Creek Valley have been making a dry Rosé from Zinfandel for 55 years, well before anyone uttered the words White Zin. The 2008 Pedroncelli Dry Rosé of Zinfandel is made from fruit sourced in their Estate vineyards and the Bushnell vineyard. This vineyard has been a Zinfandel source for them over many years. This offering is 100% Zinfandel. This wine was fermented in stainless steel. The suggested retail price for this Rosé, is $10.
Gabe’s Take:
I’m a huge fan of Dry Rosé, have been for many years. I’m also incredibly fond of Pedroncelli. As I’ve detailed previously they were the reason I made my first trek to Dry Creek Valley. But for some reason I hadn’t tasted their Rosé in a few years. I rectified that recently by checking in with their current release. The hue of this wine is a bit deeper and darker than the average Rosé in California and certainly darker than the vast majority from France. But then again this is Zinfandel and there’s nothing light or small about it. Both the nose and the palate are just bursting with ripe fresh berries and hints of vanilla bean. Terrific white pepper spice really shines through the palate as well and leads to the finish where it provides a tingle at the back of your throat. Subtle hints of cream also emerge on the finish and round this wine out a bit. This offering has excellent acidity and is a natural to match with foods. I paired it with a grilled turkey burger and a side of cilantro rice, which worked quite well. Most importantly though, pair this wine with summer 2009.
Zinfandel is the first varietal I think of when it comes to both Pedroncelli and Dry Creek Valley. They do an excellent job with this selection, which is refreshing and interesting. For $10 it’s a bargain too. Then again, the Pedroncelli wines are almost always an excellent value.
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Ferrari-Carano – 2005 Reserve Chardonnay
July 19, 2009
The Facts:
This bottle is 100% Chardonnay, 86% Napa/Carneros, 14% Alexander Valley. It was sur lie ages for 10 months in 100% new French oak barrels and spent an additional 6 months in 30% new French oak after blending. Alcohol is 14.1%. The suggested Retail Price is $42.
Dave’s Take:
As a reminder, on this website we strive to cover all things that have a direct tie to Dry Creek. We define that as we will cover any wine that is produced with Dry Creek fruit. We will also cover any wine that a Dry Creek winery produces – regardless of where the fruit is sourced from. As Ferrari-Carano is very much a Dry Creek winery, this selection falls well within our guidelines – and I couldn’t be happier.
I first tasted this during my last visit to the winery, I loved it then and I love it now. The nose is exotic with elements of pear and citrus. On the palate hazelnut emerges from the citrus notes as does a bit of toast. There is excellent acidity in this bottle which makes this a nicely crisp and fresh wine. The light oak on this bottle adds a bit of a smoky flavor. The above average finish reveals elements of vanilla with continued hazelnut and spice. Add to all of this a nice creamy mouthfeel and you have one heck of a chardonnay.
This would pair really well with seafood or poultry…right now I can’t get lobster out of my mind, I guess I like the good life. I highly recommend giving this wine a try. Its $42 suggested retail (roughly $35 street price) is pricey for a daily wine for most of us, but a terrific wine like this is great for special occasions that require an equally special wine. This would be a great choice for Thanksgiving… if your family deserves it. On second thought maybe you should pull out some $2 Buck Chuck.
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Hobo Wine Company – 2007 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
July 17, 2009
The Facts:
The 2007 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is a blend of 90% Zinfandel and 10% Petite Sirah. The grapes were sourced from the Beasley, Treborce, Larrick, Wellstone, Voigt, and Branham Vineyards (all from various parts of Dry Creek). This was aged in a combination of French and American Oak (30% new). 440 cases were produced. The suggested retail price is $22.00
Dave’s Take:
I recently bummed a bottle of 2007 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel from the Hobo Wine Company and now I find myself building a wine cellar from some old cardboard boxes so that I can order some more! Despite its name I assure you that great wine can only be made with great effort. Every sip of this bottle shows the hard work that went into it. This wine is an amalgam of several different Dry Creek vineyards from North to South, East to West. These variations all together nicely sum up the qualities you will find in this appellation.
The aroma of rich blackberry fruit is abundant. On the palate this well structured wine falls right in my sweet spot with continued berry fruit, earthiness, cigar box, and licorice. The substantial finish offers up a bit of pepper and sage. This Zinfandel has a nice balance between rich fruit forwardness and elegance that is difficult to achieve.
The wine drinks well now but has enough structure to age for 3-4 years and would pair terrifically with a brown paper bag (the preferred homeless guy method) – BBQ wouldn’t be bad either.
To sum it up, this is well made, well structured, and well…simply terrific. Give it a try, the worse that can happen is you’ll quit your job to take up drinking full time.
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