Dry Creek Vineyard – 2008 Foggy Oaks Vineyard Chardonnay
September 27, 2010
The Facts:
The Dry Creek Vineyard 2008 Foggy Oaks Vineyard Chardonnay was produced using Russian River Valley Fruit. Foggy Oaks Vineyard was planted in 2000. In total 17 and ½ acres of Chardonnay are planted there. This vineyard is 100% sustainably farmed. This offering is 100% varietal. It was 100% barrel fermented and 75% of it underwent malolactic. Barrel aging occurred over 14 months in all French oak. This is the premier vintage of this wine and it has a suggested retail price of $20. Dry Creek Vineyard is located at 3770 Lambert Bridge Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Private tasting options and tours are available by prior appointment. Check their website for the details or call them at 800-864-9463.
Gabe’s Take:
Admittedly Chardonnay isn’t the first varietal I think of when Dry Creek Vineyard comes to mind; heck it’s not even the first white varietal that pops in me head. However that really says more about the indelible impression of their Sauvignon Blanc program, as well as the appeal of their Chenin Blanc, then it does their Chardonnay. All that said I was really intrigued when I read about the work and planning that went into this new release wine. What the Foggy Oaks Chardonnay represents is really a reimagining of Dry Creek Vineyard’s core Chardonnay. At this wines heart is the Foggy Oaks vineyard. The family first saw the property in 1999 and planted it the next year. With all that planning, labor and forethought I was pretty eager to taste the results.
Quince, Bartlett pear, melon, winesap apple and baker’s spice aromas are all present in the nose of this 2008 single Vineyard Chardonnay. Asian pear and yellow delicious apple lead a palate that is simply loaded with gorgeous, fresh orchard fruit flavors that come at you in droves. Those fruit flavors are supported by a bevy of spices such as vanilla and nutmeg as well as hints of clove and gentle touch of star anise. Things close out with an intense, fruity, spicy, layered and quite lengthy finish whose flavors reverberate long after the last sip of wine has been swallowed. This wine is delicious on its own or paired with food.
There’s a lot to love about this Chardonnay. First and foremost it’s an incredibly tasty and appealing wine. Secondly it’s a terrific representation of the kind of Chardonnay that can be produced in Russian River Valley. Third it has the structure to drink well for at least the next 5 years. And fourth, the quality, individuality and complexity of this wine make it a truly excellent value at around $20.
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One Response to “Dry Creek Vineyard – 2008 Foggy Oaks Vineyard Chardonnay”
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Hey Gabe,
Awesome review! You nailed the essence of this new wine – I could not have said it better myself. I think what’s so exciting about the Foggy Oaks Chardonnay is the 10 years worth of effort and energy it has taken us to reach this point. It’s been a long journey but well worth it. The results, as they say, are in the bottle!
Many thanks from all of us at Dry Creek Vineyard.
Cheers!