The Walman Report®

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Dry Creek Stands Strong

We have long considered Dry Creek Vineyard a standout in California wines, both in value and quality. The up market reds, whether merlot, cabernet, zinfandel or meritage were invariably sturdy, tannic and closed when we tasted them on release, but stored for 5 to 15 years, they evolved into wines that were so complex, elegant and evocative that we were able to “fool” many of our “expert” colleagues, who called them as classified Bordeaux growths more often than not. It was to our surprise that they aged better than many California wines in our cellar. And that includes the big names as well as the “garage wines.”

The whites were charming, ready to drink and excellent as well. Two recent bottles, just tasted, brought a surprise. The 2001 Heritage Clone Zinfandel was already drinking beautifully. It was soft with good acid and subtle fruit. To our surprise, the aging potential, something we had grown accustomed to on Dry Creek labels, was nowhere to be found. My guess is that it will age well and reach its peak in less time than needed by previous vintages.

The 2002 Fume Blanc was fresh with good citrus nuances and offered a complexity that was appealing. Whether it will benefit from the Aging Potential: 4 - 6 years that appeared in the winemaker’s notes, remains to be seen.

In any case, both wines confirmed our admiration of Dry Creek, which has a new winemaker. We anxiously await the results of his efforts. Follows fact sheets and tasting notes. (The Zin, for our money, is one of the best $15 reds on the market.)

2002 Fumé Blanc

Sonoma County

Suggested California Retail Price: $12.75/bottle

Production: 40,000 cases

Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Appellation: Sonoma County

Harvest: August 28 - September 17, 2002

Fermentation: Fermented 17 days at 49°F: 90% in stainless steel tanks and 10% barrel fermented

Barrel Aging: Aged 2 months in French and American oak

Alcohol: 13.5% Total Acidity: 0.73 pH: 3.50 Residual Sugar: Dry

Winemaker Comments: A continuing classic, Dry Creek Vineyard’s flagship wine sets the tone for Sauvignon Blanc winemaking. Fresh aromas of hay and citrus are followed by flavors of grapefruit and lemongrass. Vibrant acidity balances to a smooth refreshing finish. Pair this lively Fumé Blanc with goat cheese, seafood, or fresh oysters.

Aging Potential: 4 - 6 years

2001 Heritage Clone Zinfandel

Sonoma County

Suggested California Retail Price: $15.00/bottle

Production: 17,000 cases

Grapes: 85% Zinfandel and 15% Petite Sirah

Appellation: Sonoma County

Harvest Date: September 5 - 28, 2001

Fermentation: Fermented 8 days at 80º F: 100% stainless steel tanks

Barrel Aging: 16 months in French and American oak

Alcohol: 13.5% Total Acidity: 0.66 pH: 3.85 Residual Sugar: Dry

Winemaker Comments: This new era Zinfandel captures the essence of old Zinfandel vines in a bright, spicy, fruity wine. The result of grafting budwood from rare old vines onto new rootstock has insured that we continue producing a Zinfandel that captures the luscious old vines character. Flavors of rich berry fruit are followed by an allspice and chocolate finish, with hints of coffee. This complex, yet versatile wine, pairs well with a broad spectrum of foods…from hamburgers to pasta to filet mignon.

Click Below To Visit The Dry Creek Vineyard Website

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