Notes from the Winemaker:The 2008 vintage was an interesting one to say the least. It all started at bud break when we realized that the crop was going to be about twenty five percent smaller than normal. Combine the low bunch counts with the worst frost in forty years, a cooler than normal summer, and an unprecedented heat spell in September and we had the makings of a very interesting year! The good news is that the wines are beautiful. The bad news is that there are not a lot of them. Our production is off nearly forty percent.
Production: Approximately 1,457 cases
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Composition: 97% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah
Estate Vineyards: Block 5, Rockpile Ridge, Madrone Spring, Water Trough, Upper Pond, Lower Pond
Grower Vineyards: Saini Farms, Mazzoni Vineyards, Faloni Ranch, Buchignani/Garcia Vineyard
Alcohol: 15.2 % by volume
Aging: 14 months in oak barrels
80% French
20% American
What Does It Taste Like?
In a theoretical world, the 2008 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is like a
mix of the 2006 and 2007 vintages. The nose is bright and centered.
Aromas of ripe raspberry, fresh picked blackberry, cracked black pepper,
and sweet oak mingle harmoniously. On the palate you feel the effects
of the cool summer. The wine is focused, almost linear, and displays an
amazing elegance. The balanced acid lifts the fresh berry fruits on the
palate and ensures the wine will age gracefully and pair extremely well
with foods. Please enjoy the 2008 Dry Creek Zinfandel over the next 4-6
years.
Ratings & Reviews
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"A lovely Zinfandel, classic
and balanced, with an elegant tannin-acid structure. Shows typical Dry
Creek Valley spices and briar, in addition to ripe blackberry, cherry,
currant, Dr. Pepper cola and tobacco flavors." S.H. (April
2010)
Wine Spectator Magazine:"Young and still coming together, featuring dark cherry and rhubarb notes and accents of smoky herbs and licorice. Drink now through 2015. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,457 cases made." –TF (6/30/2010)
92 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine ('07 vintage):
"Rich and beautifully focused, with huckleberry and smoky licorice aromas and ripe, layered and balanced wild berry, sage and white pepper flavors. Drink now through 2014. 2,257 cases made." –TF (10/15/2009)
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine ('07 vintage):“A lovely Zinfandel, classic and balanced, with an elegant tannin-acid structure. Shows typical Dry Creek Valley spices and briar, in addition to ripe blackberry, cherry, currant, Dr. Pepper cola and tobacco flavors." - S.H. (4/1/2010)
