Dry Creek Vineyard - Heritage Zinfandel ²⁰¹⁷

Wine tasting notes

Excellent aroma profile of blueberry, red currants, earthy dustiness and mineral nuances. The low alcohol nature of this wine shines through immediately with silky smooth tannins and a firm grip of natural acidity and balance. The fruit is substantial with layers of black cherry, mixed berries, currants and allspice. This Zinfandel is superbly balanced and satisfying, repeating the earthy, mixed berry theme while also carrying forward subtler hints of white and black pepper. The finish lingers on creating a mouth-watering desire for another sip.

Expert reviews

March 2016 - Robert Parker - The 2014 Zinfandel Heritage Vines is a blend of 78% Zinfandel, 20 % Petite Sirah, and the rest Primitivo and Carignane made from Zinfandel vines that were planted from cuttings of pre-Prohibition old-vine material. This has nice berry fruit and is medium-bodied without the complexity of the Vogensen Ranch or the pure power and fruit of the old-vine cuvée, but it is very nice. Moderately high in alcohol (14.5%) and well-made, it should be drunk over the next 5-7 years.

Tasted Nov 2010 - Very sweet and complete without being head-bangingly potent. But great balance. Rather suave for a Zin but not bad at all.

Packs in a lot of personality, yet remains balanced and well-structured, offering notes of black raspberry, toasty herb and spicy licorice. Drink now through 2022.

Impressively crafted from 20-plus-year-old vines, thus the Heritage tag, this blend of mostly Zin with 20% Petite Sirah and 1% Primitivo is like Sunday brunch. It offers a study in bacon and strawberries laced in syrup, a thick, leathery wine that finishes balanced and just shy of over-decadent.