New Releases - Dry Creek Vineyard
I was in my early 20s when I tasted my first Dry Creek Vineyard wines. Two wines remain memorable to this day. The 1972 Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc and the 1973 Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. The former was distinctive, earthy, and reminded me of Bordeaux Blanc and the latter was bright with berries and finely balanced. That was just the beginning. Now five decades later, I can report the winery’s wines continue to be excellent in the face of a more competitive marketplace.
Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition - Judges Dinner at Dry Creek Winery (September 22, 2011, Healdsburg, CA)
Label of the 1973 Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel
I was in my early 20s when I tasted my first Dry Creek Vineyard wines. Two wines remain memorable to this day. The 1972 Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc and the 1973 Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. The former was distinctive, earthy, and reminded me of Bordeaux Blanc and the latter was bright with berries and finely balanced. That was just the beginning. Now five decades later, I can report the winery’s wines continue to be excellent in the face of a more competitive marketplace.
When I first bought the Dry Creek Vineyard wines at Ashbury Market in the early 1970s, our customers loved them and anxiously bought them. The three most popular wines were the Fumé Blanc and the Zinfandel as well as the winery’s Dry Chenin Blanc. Choosing wines in that decade was easier than today because of the proliferation of labels and reviewers, bloggers, and marketing folks making it harder for wineries to get noticed. Yet through it all, this winery has maintained consistency as it continues to improve its wines. The winery, founded in 1972, hasn’t stood still and it remains popular in today’s marketplace.
· Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County 2022. Since the 1972 vintage, this Sauvignon Blanc has been my go-to wine. Setting the standard with its maiden vintage, it bought up the category in the New World and catapulted the winery into the marketplace. The recent release vintage is on point with dried herbs, light savory spices, and a touch of minerality. A decidedly excellent food wine, it should be famously delicious with linguine and clams in a light garlicky broth. Tasted: March 15, 2023, San Francisco, CA. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $20.
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· Dry Creek Vineyard DCV Block 10 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2021. While not always on my radar, this Chardonnay is solid and well-built. Offering notes of savory spices, dried earthy aromas, and oaky notes. Enjoy its rich and persistent palate with a well-spiced, oven-roasted chicken in a creamy sauce. Tasted: March 15, 2023, San Francisco, CA. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $45.
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· Dry Creek Vineyard “Single Vineyard Series” Vogensen Ranch, Dry Creek Valley 2019. At this year’s ZinEX tasting, I found this Zinfandel to be one of the best of the tasting. Produced from one of the top Zinfandel vineyards in the state, this wine is ample rich, yet sassy and bright from start to finish. Sporting bright red berries that are true and beautiful to this grape variety. Serve it with Holy basil Thai Chicken and enjoy both the dish and the beverage. Tasted: January 28, 2023, San Francisco, CA. (My Score: 94 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $46.
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· Dry Creek Vineyard Historic Blocks Estate Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2019. With only a scant 260 cases produced, this one could be hard to find, but the search is worth it. Bold and full of substantial blackberries and earthiness, and maybe a little bit of dust. Serve this with a well-seasoned, oven-baked Porchetta. Tasted: January 28, 2023, San Francisco, CA. (My Score: 93 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $56.
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· Dry Creek Vineyard DCV2 Estate Zinfandel Four Clones Vineyard, Sonoma County 2019. A frisky zin, this one delivers power without overwhelming the palate. You will be charmed by its bright red berries that slide into demonstrative blackberries and earthy notes. Tasted: January 28, 2023, San Francisco, CA. (My Score: 93 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $46.
Dry Creek Vineyard recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary. I grew up with the family as their inception into the marketplace paralleled my entrance to the business. From founder David Stare, his daughter Kim Stare Wallace (now President), and her husband, Don Wallace (Partner). The journey has been professional and enjoyable. Visiting the winery on many occasions and tasting the wines through the years. I hope you try out these wines as well as their other offerings. If you have Dry Creek Vineyard stories, please share them with me. My email address is Wilfred.willie.wong@gmail.com
Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County 2022
