The Dry Creek Vineyard 2010 Dry Chenin Blanc was produced from fruit sourced at the Wilson Ranch in Clarksburg. This wine is 100% Chenin Blanc. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks over a period of 35 days.  Just fewer than 10,000 cases of this vintage were produced. This wine is finished in screw cap and has a suggested retail price of $12. Dry Creek Vineyard is located at 3770 Lambert Bridge Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Private tasting options and tours are available by prior appointment. Check their website for the details or call them at 800-864-9463.

Gabe’s Take:

Quick, name another go to producer for California Chenin Blanc. Stumped you didn’t I? Dry Creek Vineyard has embraced this grape which many others have either ignored or walked away from. There are others making it in small quantities and some blending it. No one that I know of is making pure Chenin Blanc as consistently and at such a budget friendly price as Dry Creek Vineyard. This wine has been amazingly consistent in overall style, quality and value for a very long time. Each year I’m eager to taste the latest vintage to see how it holds up. Every time I shake my head wondering how they do it.

Aromas of apricot and lemon peel fill the nose of this wine along with a hint of lychee fruit. Tons of peach, nectarine, melon and apricot flavors dominate the palate forming a solid code of fleshy white and yellow fruits. Hints of white pepper and lemon ice are present as well. Wisps of honey emerge on the finish which has good length. This is a crisp, juicy, refreshing wine that demands you take another sip.

As I mentioned above this wine has been a remarkably consistent value that delivers quality, vintage after vintage; the 2010 edition is no different. This is a delicious wine that is sure to please any crowd. The screw cap closure also makes it a perfect choice for picnics and other situations where you don’t even want to think about an opener.

Pasterick of Dry Creek Valley is a small family run operation that focuses their efforts on Syrah. In addition to their flagship wine they also make a tiny amount of Rosé. Visitors to their winery are welcome by appointment. Check their website for more specific details.

The Pasterick 2006 Dry Creek Valley Estate Syrah was produced from fruit grown on their hillside vineyards in the heart of DCV. This offering is 100% Syrah. After hand harvesting and fermentation this wine was aged in 400 liter French oak puncheons for a period of 3 years. 350 cases of this wine were produced in standard 750 ml bottles as well as an additional 12 cases of magnums. This Syrah sells for $48.

Gabe’s Take:

I’ve long been a believer that Syrah could be a huge varietal for Dry Creek Valley. While there are certainly a handful of producers working with this grape there, it’s really a fringe player these days compared to Zinfandel and the like. A few however have made Syrah a large part of what they’re doing, or in the case of Pasterick, the very essence of who they are. With that in mind I relished the opportunity to taste their current vintage.

Violet, plum and blackberry lead the dark and brooding nose of this 2006 Syrah. A core of spices punctuates the dark fruits providing a counterbalance. Red and black cherry flavors are both dominant throughout the palate along with plum pudding spices. Black raspberry emerges as well. Smoked meats black pepper and cardamom are part of the finish along with a closing wallop of chocolate Bosco syrup that provides a satisfying and sweet finale. This is a big, bold Syrah that opens with intensity and carries it through a multi-layered palate and continues it through a persistent, and impressive finish loaded both power and grace.

This Syrah from Pasterick, is a fine example of what can be achieved in Dry Creek Valley with this classic Rhone varietal. More and more folks seem to be growing some and experimenting with it on some level. It’s good to see a producer that dedicates itself to this grape so fully.

The Facts:

The Pedroncelli 2009 Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at the vineyard of the same name. This piece of land has been either closely associated with or part of Pedroncelli family for many years. In addition to Zinfandel (96%) this wine has a small amount of Petite Sirah (4%) blended in. The Petite Sirah also comes from the same property making this a true single vineyard effort. Barrel aging occurred over 11 months in American oak; 30% of the barrels were new. 1,700 cases of this wine were made and it has a suggested retail price of $20.

The Pedroncelli Family has been making wine in Dry Creek since 1927. Their current releases can be tasted daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at the Pedroncelli Tasting room located at 1220 Canyon Road in Geyserville. Many times when I’ve been in their tasting room they have something older from the library open to taste and purchase. As with their current releases they offer these library selections at very reasonable prices. So keep an eye out for them when you stop in.

Gabe’s Take:

I’ve mentioned it before but it bears repeating that the Pedroncelli wines and specifically their classic Mother Clone Zinfandel is the first Dry Creek wine I knowingly tasted. Years later I still drink it regularly. So I’m always excited when they add other Zinfandels to the mix to see how they compare to that old standby.

Aromas of bramble fill the nose of this 2009 Single Vineyard Zinfandel. An undercurrent of Vanilla bean is present as well. Dark, dry berry fruit is present in droves throughout the palate along with cherry jam fruit and a core of spices. Dark chocolate, earth, and continuing berry flavors are all part of the finish which has serious length.

The Petite Sirah provides a nice backbone to this wine which has really nice structure. It’s a classically styled Zinfandel which is delicious now but will undoubtedly drink well over the next 8 or so years. If the Mother Clone is the workhorse of the Pedroncelli Zins, the Bushnell Vineyard is the Show Horse. For only $20 this is a real bargain in single vineyard Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, grab it before it’s gone.

The Facts:

The Truett Hurst 2010 Rosé was produced from Dry Creek Valley fruit. A mere 250 cases of this wine were made and it has a suggested retail price of $15. Truett Hurst in Dry Creek Valley is a partnership between Paul & Heath Dolan as well as Phil & Sylvia Hurst. They’re one of a growing contingent of Dry Creek Valley producers committed to Organic and Biodynamic farming. Their tasting room is located at 5610 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open every day from 11 am to 5 pm.

Gabe’s Take:

Is there anything more enjoyable than a cold, crisp glass of well made Rosé on a hot summer day? We all have things that make us happy and for me drinking Rosé in warm weather is up there. For years Rosé had been given short shrift in the US due in no small part to the boat loads of vapid and uninspired blush wines on the market. Thankfully the tide has been shifting in recent years and many California producers are making lovely Dry Rosé these days. Truett Hurst is amongst them.

This wine starts with a pretty deep pink hue which is apparent the moment you pour it. Aromas of strawberries, red cherries and vanilla burst forth from the nose of this wine. The palate tastes like a bowl of sweet, fresh red fruits that have just been picked for your enjoyment. Flourishes of citrus emerge towards the back of the palate. Bits of rhubarb and wisps of vanilla bean make their presence known on the finish. This wine is crisp and clean with terrific acidity. The 2010 Truett Hurst Rosé is loaded with appealing fruit that brings sweetness to mind, however it’s a dry wine. What this offering represents is another of the handful of well made Rosé offerings that have been popping up in Dry Creek Valley these last few years. It’s  a delicious wine to drink all summer long.

The VC Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from Estate grown, hillside fruit. This offering is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; it was fermented in stainless steel and then aged in small Bulgarian oak barrels. A mere 186 cases of this offering were produced and it sells for $32.

The recent release of the 2006 wines represents the second vintage for VC Cellars. This boutique Dry Creek Valley producer is run by Victor and Cindy Trentadue. They have more than 30 years of experience managing vineyards. In addition to their own vines they run a company that farms more than 400 acres in Sonoma County. Additionally they’re both involved in the other family business, Trentadue Winery located in neighboring Alexander Valley. And while Victor makes the wines for VC Cellars he has the guiding hand of Trentadue winemaker Miro Tcholakov on hand to assist. Their 12 acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.

Gabe’s Take:

Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc are the well known stars of Dry Creek Valley, but much of the Cabernet Sauvignon is underrated. When it’s planted in a spot that works and treated with care in the wine-making process, Cabernet Sauvignons from Dry Creek Valley can represent both excellent wines and tremendous values. Dollar for dollar, great Cabernet from Dry Creek blows away wines from more famous Cabernet regions on QPR.

Dark berry aromas are joined by eucalyptus, cedar and cigar box on the rich and inviting nose of this 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Dried dark berry fruit flavors are prominent through the plate with blackberry, blueberry and raspberry of particular note. These are joined by a core of spices as well as wisps of dry herbs. Earth, chicory, black pepper and dusty dark chocolate notes all emerge on the finish which has terrific length. This wine has tight gripping tannins and solid acidity.

This wine from VC Cellars is an excellent example of Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at its best. For $32 it represents a very nice value in its category. This wine is a bit tight out of the bottle now, so decanting it is strongly recommended. However if you’re patient, lay it down for 5-8 years and you’ll be well rewarded.

The Fritz Winery 2010 Estate Rosé was produced entirely from Dry Creek Valley fruit. This offering is a blend of primarily Zinfandel and Malbec along with a small amount of Pinot Noir. A mere 100 cases of this offering were produced and it sells for $20.

Fritz Winery in Cloverdale has been making wine in Dry Creek Valley for over 30 years. In addition to a number of Dry Creek releases they also source fruit from vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. They’re located at 24691 Dutcher Creek Road in Cloverdale. They’re open daily for tastings from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. On weekends they offer tours as well which can be booked by advance reservation. They can be reached at 800-418-9463 or by email at info@fritzwinery.com. Check their website for additional information.

Gabe’s Take:

I consider well made, dry Rosé to be one of the truly great things about warm weather. Rosé is made to drink outside with friends alongside a nice meal or simply a couple of laughs. Several producers in Dry Creek Valley do an excellent job with this style of wine and I was quite curious to see how the Fritz Rosé measures up.

The perfectly pale-pink hue of this wine is immediately striking as you pour it into your glass. Aromas of wild strawberry are underscored by vanilla bean in the fresh nose of this 2010 wine. Lots of red fruit flavors fill the palate of this Rosé; strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavors are most prominent. Watermelon, rhubarb, tart cherry and white pepper flavors all emerge on the finish which is crisp and clean with zingy acidity. This mouthwatering wine is perfectly dry; at the same time it’s loaded with fruit. The bottom line is that it’s delicious on its own and will also pair beautifully with light summer fare. This is an excellent example of what Rosé should be. With only 100 cases produced, grab it quick before it’s gone.

Some winemakers are like short order cooks; they follow a recipe and make the wine in question. Others are comparable to master chefs, they improvise on the fly and adapt to the unique needs of each individual lot of wine. Hugh Chapelle falls into the master chef category. He doesn’t get caught up in the notion that Zinfandel for instance is treated in one specific manner all the time. Sure he might start out with the standard treatment as a guide, but his goal is to follow the needs of each specific wine. With a guiding philosophy of that nature, Quivira who has been turning out terrific wines for quite awhile now, is poised to become one of the most compelling producers in Dry Creek Valley.

In addition to the approach Hugh takes with each lot of wine, the changes he’s making to the portfolio itself are also cause for excitement. Certainly the important players in the portfolio are going to continue. Perhaps a few of the fringe players will disappear to be replaced by more interesting wines. Already in his first year several small lot white wine blends were produced. These white wines and the current release of Rosé are the first releases at Quivira to showcase Hugh’s touch. A couple of the new red releases were ushered the last couple steps of the way by his guiding hand. The results I tasted were nothing short of delicious and exhilarating. I’ve long been a fan of the Quivira wines, but I’m truly excited to taste even more impressive releases in the upcoming vintages as Hugh has the chance to impart greater influence over future wines. And to be clear it’s not that Hugh has a heavy hand with the wines at all in fact anything but. He’s would best be described as an overseer, making sure things go well and pointing the wines in the right direction. Going back to the master chef analogy, Hugh knows that he’s working with great ingredients and simplicity is often the way to let those shine.

Quivira Vineyards and Winery has been an important part of Dry Creek Valley for quite a few years now. Their commitment to Organics and Biodynamics over the last handful of years has made them a destination for those interested in seeking out the more natural of Dry Creek Valley producers. And while they have been making very good wines, I’m quite convinced that the quality of their wines will be boosted significantly with the presence of Hugh Chapelle. If you haven’t been over to Quivira in awhile, now’s a great time. Change is a foot and it’s truly thrilling. Look for us to cover it all here.

Fritz Cellars is located at 24691 Dutcher Creek Road in Cloverdale. They’re open daily for tastings from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. On weekends they offer tours as well which can be booked by advance reservation. They can be reached at 800-418-9463 or by email at info@fritzwinery.com. Check their website for additional information.

The Collier Falls Vineyards 2006 Zinfandel was produced entirely from fruit grown at their Dry Creek Valley Estate. This offering is 100% Zinfandel. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with twice daily pumpovers. Barrel aging was accomplished over 18 months in a combination of French and American oak. Less than 300 cases of this offering were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $32. The Collier Falls Vineyards wines can be tasted daily at the Family Wineries Tasting Room of Dry Creek Valley. It’s located at 4791 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open from 10:30 AM until 4:30 PM daily.

Gabe’s take:

Many wineries have already moved on to Zinfandel from vintages as recent as 2009; that younger style has its advantages and can be quite appealing. However there’s no substitute for the advantages of additional barrel and bottle aging. Collier Falls generally holds their wines a bit longer than most in Dry Creek Valley and that additional aging shows up in the glass, providing very favorable results.

Aromas of strawberry and candied cherry are both prominently on display throughout the engaging nose of this Zinfandel. Black and red raspberry flavors both play pivotal roles throughout the palate of this wine. Bits of plum and blackberry along with clove spice notes are in evidence as well. This Zinfandel has an impressively long, lusty finish that shows off white pepper, vanilla and wisps of pomegranate fruit.

Each vintage of Zinfandel I’ve tasted from Collier Falls has been a well crafted, tasty wine. However this 2006 Zin is a bit more impressive than the others. It’s full bodied without being over the top and the length of palate is noticeably impressive. This wine is a great example of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. With less than 300 cases available, snap this one up before it’s too late.