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The Zinfandels of Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley

By Darryl Beeson

Located an hour drive north of San Francisco, in Sonoma County, lies Healdsburg. Nearby, you will find the Dry Creek Valley appellation. Some of the finest wines produced are crafted using the fruit of the vines grown in this unique and diverse region. The ending result is a wine as unique and memorable as each of the wineries and grower members that make up the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley.

Dry Creek Valley's history of grape growing and winemaking is among the longest in California. The region's national reputation for wine may be modern, but the roots of Dry Creek Valley quality go back more than 125 years, to the first vineyard established in 1870. Dry Creek Valley was among the first regions to receive formal recognition as an American Viticultural Area in 1983, enabling local wineries to put the Dry Creek Valley appellation on their labels. Learn more at www.wdcv.com.

Amphora Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $28
Rating 95
The nose offers concentrated blueberry and blackberry. Rich blackberry soars in the first sip, with dried fruit and exotic fruit tea nuances. The length is complex and lengthy. There is 10% Petite Sirah.

Bella "Lilly Hill Estate" Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $33
Rating 91
Alcohol hints are in the first sniff. Lean flavors of steeped tea, dried blackberry and other black fruit meld within the sip. "This is a darker zin with a few more layers of complexity due to the addition of Petite Sirah," says wine maker Joe Healy.

Bella Vineyards Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $30
Rating 93
The nose is ominous with black earth and blackberry. The sip enters cool with mint, tar, and black fruit within the good to medium length.

David Coffaro Vineyard "My Zin" Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $22
Rating 89
Aromas of spicy blackberry lead the way. Then the sip showcases luscious blackberry, concentrated black fruit and zesty brown spice. The entire mix is 75% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mauritson Zinfandel, Rockpile 2002
Price $29
Rating 92
The nose is reserved with soft mint. The sip is gripping with black fruit, tar and other mineral. This is not a "fruit bomb" Zinfandel. It commands attention.

Mill Creek Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $25
Rating 93
The nose is brier-like with wild fruit nuances. Flavors of toasty oak, blackberry and menthol sing in harmony throughout the long length on the palate. It is classic Eastern bench of Dry Creek Valley, being very jammy.

Nalle Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $26
Rating 92
There is subtle mulberry in the nose, then a hint of spritzy cranberry. The sip offers a complex array of red and black fruit, tar, pepper and earthiness in the cool, reserved length on the palate.

Peterson "Bradford Mountain" Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $25
Rating 93
The nose seems closed. The sip reveals mere hints of black fruit and bright red fruit. There is menthol and then some mineral in the middle. This is a young look at a serious red that demands some time, aging further within the bottle. Based upon previous vintages, this Zinfandel will reward those that wait.

Preston "Old Vine/Old Clone" Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2001
Price $24
Rating 94
The sniff rewards with rich cherry and strawberry. There are complex flavors of red fruit, peppery plum and interesting mineral.

Preston "Old Vines/Old Clones" Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $24
Rating 93
Aromas of black earth are followed by flavors of raspberry nougat, toasted nuts, dried cherry and firm mineral. The length is long, subtle and complex. There is 9% Petite Sirah in the mix.

Quivira "Anderson Ranch" Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $30
Rating 94
Aromas of dried raspberry and dark fruit are followed by flavors of gripping blackberry, tar and freshly tilled black earth.

Ridge "Lytton Springs" Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $30
Rating 91
The nose is somber and closed. The sip is gripping with tar, toasted oak and blackberry. The historic field blend of a vineyard results in a wine that is 75% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Syrah and 5% Carignane.

Talty Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $32
Rating 94
The aromas are refined with mulberry and blackberry. The sip offers a spectrum of ripe fruit influences. Blackberry is followed by peppery plum and dried tropical fruits.

Unti Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2002
Price $24
Rating 89
The nose is closed. The sip is restrained with subtle fruit. The precise blend is 86% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah and 6% Barbera. The wine is unfined and unfiltered.

Unti Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2003
Price $24
Rating 93
The sip is strident with bright cranberry and firm mineral in the long, complex length. There is 17% Petite Sirah, as well as 3% Barbera, in the blend.

Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine values. In the past, he has been wine steward or cellar master for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Voltaire, and The Adolphus Hotel. Not one for stuffiness or secret handshakes relative to wine, this Texan might now be described as a "ki-yi-yippee sommelier, sommelier." Beeson reports on wine, spirits, food and travel for numerous publications.

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