Brook’s pick of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels
In addition to the wines recommended below I have recently tasted excellent wines from Armida, Bella, Cast, Comstock, Dutcher Crossing, Preston, Ravenswood, Sbragia, Truett-Hurst and Unti
A Rafanelli, Zinfandel 2015 92 N/A UK www. arafanelliwinery.com This family estate knows Zin like the back of its hand. The winemaker is Shelly Rafanelli, and this vintage includes 9% Petite Sirah. Sweet yet savoury nose, with cherry and cassis. Medium-bodied and supple yet intense. Good acidity gives persistence, with a fresh finish. Drink 2019-2028 Alcohol 15%
Once & Future Wine, Teldeschi Vineyard Frank’s Block 2014
92 N/A UK www.onceandfuturewine.com The personal label of Joel Peterson of Ravenswood, a man known for his Zins. This block of vines is over 100 years old. The dense cherry nose is striking in its opulence. The attack is soft and velvety,
but cut by welcome acidity. Distinctly tannic, it has structure, length and polish. Drink 2018-2030 Alc 15%
Ridge, Lytton Springs 2015 92 £ 33.25-£44.10 Christopher Piper, Davis Bell McCraith, Hedonism, James Nicholson, Vin Cognito, WoodWinters A true field blend, with 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Carignan and 2% Mourvedre, this is one of California’s most consistent Zins. It has a sumptuous cherry nose. On the palate it is rich and explosive, with zest and drive. Textured and grippy, but shows no sign of being over-extracted. Drink 2019-2030 Alc 14.5%
Fritz, Estate Reserve 2014 91
N/A UK www.fritzwinery.com A barrel selection from estate vineyards in the north of the valley. Voluptuous
nose with raspberry coulis and mocha. The palate is notably opulent with bold, ripe tannins. Yet it’s also polished and stylish, with a sleek texture and no overt alcohol. Drink 2018-2028 Alc 14.5%
Lambert Bridge, Forchini Vineyard 2015
91 N/A UK www. lambertbridge.com A single-vineyard Zin from vines dating back to 1907. Aged 10 months in French oak. The ripe nose has a whiff of smoke, raspberry and cherry. Approachable and supple with enough acidity to keep it fresh. Drink 2018-2025 Alc 14.5%
Mazzocco, Pony Reserve 2015 91
N/A UK www. mazzocco.com Mazzocco makes many single-vineyard
Zins, and this one comes from a site near Lytton Springs Road. Blackberries and cherries on the nose, while the palate is rich and opulent, with vibrant fruit and a long, chewy finish. The alcohol shows on the finish. Drink 2018-2025 Alc 15.5%
Nalle, Dry Creek Valley 2015 91
£ 28.80 Domaine Direct A typical example of the Nalle style, with 10% Petite Sirah and Carignan. The nose is opulent, with blueberry and cherry aromas. Rich and juicy, it doesn’t lack fruit weight but is approachable and succulent. Fine concentration and good length assure some ageing potential. Drink 2018-2028 Alc 14%
Passalacqua, PQZ 2015 91 N/A UK www. passalacquawinery.com For this bottling, winemaker Jessica Boone blends fruit from various vineyards. Cranberries are to the fore on the nose, which also shows lots of spice. The palate is sleek and intense, with ample acidity and fine-grained tannins. A pungent but elegant style, with good length. Drink 2018-2025 Alc 14.5%
Quivira, Black Boar 2014 91 N/A UK www.quivirawine.com Quivira, a property with a long reputation for its Zin, is farmed biodynamically, though not certified. This shows brooding black fruits on the nose and a hint of liquorice. It’s broad and rounded, fleshy and concentrated, but enlivened by spice and supported by firm but not tough tannins. It has structure and persistence. Drink 2018-2030 Alc 15%
Seghesio, Cortina 2014 91 £ 39.45-£41.99 AG Wines, Exel Wines Seghesio produces a range of Zinfandels from various parts of Sonoma. This Dry Creek bottling is pure Zin from vines planted in 1972. Super-ripe raspberry fruit on the nose; just the right side of jammy. Medium-bodied and sleek, this has admirable concentration without excessive extraction. Polished tannins and remarkable elegance, acidity and length. Drink 2018-2028 Alc 15%
Dry Creek Vineyard,
Old Vine 2014 90 £ 24.05 Exel Wines ‘Old Vine’ is a flexible term, but here the oldest vines are from 1892. Rich nose with a savoury tone. Dense and tannic, with a spicy finish. The 19% Petite Sirah may account for the formidable structure. Drink 2019-2028 Alc 14.5%
Mauritson 2015 90 N/A UK www. mauritsonwines.com Mauritson makes several single-vineyard bottlings, but this generic Dry Creek Zin is of fine quality. Red fruits mark the ripe nose, which is intense and perfumed. This is fresh and delightfully exuberant; a medium-bodied and zesty style. Good acidity and length on the finish. Drink 2018-2026 Alc 15%