Recently, I visited Dry Creek Vineyard in Healdsburg, CA. It was founded in 1972 and is situated on 185 acres of land located in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley AVA, home to some of the world’s best Zinfandel wines. One of the first things I noticed when arriving is a small block of vines that looked all bushy and disheveled. So my curiosity took over and I had to learn why they looked like this.

I learned some fun stuff about these vines and how unique they are to the vineyard. The original vines are 80+ years old; these were replanted to this 4.5 acre spot about 10 years ago:
After exploring the vineyards, it was tasting time! I started with a lovely Fume Blanc (aka Sauvignon Blanc) — one of the vineyard’s most popular wines. Light and fruity, perfect for a hot summer day. As much as I liked it, that was it for the whites — I wanted Zinfandels!
Katie, the amazing “winetender”, shared a variety of Zinfandels, a Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignons as well her extensive knowledge of each. Two Zinfandels stuck out for me:
๐ท 2016 Beeson Ranch Zinfandel: wine created from 136 year old vines! Yes, 136 years! It’s not every day you get to try something this special. This Zin was full of body, with flavors of plum and cranberry and allspice, and some tobacco. Could definitely smell some spice. This wine did not disappoint. It also got 92 points from Wine Spectator.
๐ท 2017 Dry Creek Vineyard DCV2 Estate Zinfandel – Four Clones Vineyard: Those bushy and disheveled vines produced this gem! This Zinfandel also includes a touch of Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. Powerful aromas of white pepper and allspice. Full bodied with delicious raspberry, blackberry and plum. The tannins aren’t overwhelming, creating a truly smooth wine. I can’t wait to try this with some tasty bbq or a nice steak.

๐ Dry Creek Vineyard facts:
- This was the first winery built in the Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition (1972).
- First to coin the term “Old Vine Zinfandel” — though there is no legal age for that designation to be used, generally the vines are older.
- First winery to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley.
If you get a chance to visit, do so! You will not regret it! ๐ป To learn more: https://www.drycreekvineyard.com/
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