SideTrip: "CaberMeriZinfanTage"

No, this isn't some bizarre term or blend inspired by Mary Poppins, but rather a short report on a few CA corks I've popped recently. 

 

The first wine was special in many ways.  Meant to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Dry Creek Vineyard, the wine is a special Meritage cuvee, and sports a special "throwback" label to complete the tribute.

 

The 2009 Dry Creek 40th Anniversary Cuvee, is an inky dark purple in the glass with a razor thin violet hue at the rim. Very pretty.  Aromas sport classic dry creek terroir - deep, rich plum and berry aromas and flavors are accented with mineral, dust, shale, and flowers. Slightly spicy, this medium to full bodied wine is moderately tannic, suggesting that we may have opened it a year or two early.  But we couldn't resist.  With some air and swirlitude, this came around quickly.  Made available only to Dry Creek Vineyard wine club members, I wasn't going to review it.  However, since several club members read this blog, I decided to include it.  92 points.

40th Anniversary Cuvee from Dry Creek Vineyards

Next up was the 2010 Pine Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.  Pine Ridge has been a long time favorite of mine for over 10 years now; going back to the old pine tree label with the "Rutherford" designation.  I remember buying that gem of a wine for $19!  Like everything else, times have changed.  In some places, this wine pushes $50.  I don't really understand it.  At that price, I pause.  But I recently found some for significantly less, and scooped up every last bottle.  The is inky purple.  Teeth and tongue staining Cabernet.  There are generous aromas of black fruits, new leather, menthol, and a touch of mocha spice.  On the palate, it's everything you could ask for in a classic Napa Cabernet.  Dusty, blackberry fruit is tinged with french oak spice, licorice and leather.  Slight roasted coffee on the finish. Not overdone, but not discreet in any way.  This is delicious stuff.  Try with aged cheddar, a great steak, or on it's own.  94 points, about $32.

2010 Pine Ridge Vineyards Napa Cabernet

Finally, it was back to Dry Creek to satisfy a Zinfandel craving that's been going around like Spring pollen.  There is no place in the world like Sonoma for Zinfandel.  It rings all the bells for me and Dry Creek Vineyard makes some of the best old vine Zins, period.  The 2010 Somers Ranch Zinfandel is consistently among them and has become my favorite Zinfandel from this producer.  Deep, dark, purple in the glass with violet reflections.  The nose is all Dry Creek terroir. Wild berry aromas, with pepper and spice, dust and leather - it's gorgeous to smell and quite unique!  On the palate, the wine is rich with briary, wild berry flavors, flowers, spice, dust, eucalyptus, leather and mocha.  Simply outstanding.  I bought plenty and you should too.  93 points, about $29.

Beautiful Legs

 

TuscanVines will be taking a trip to Napa & Sonoma in the coming weeks.  Tours and tastings have been arranged with various producers so there will be a major "SideTrip" report coming with tasting notes, photos, food pics and winemaker interviews. Stay tuned!