Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel 2022
Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel 2022 is a dry, very full-bodied red from Zinfandel (Dry Creek, United States), in the rich, smooth reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity moderate; oak influence is some. Good with steak, barbecue, burgers, pizza. Drink within 4 years (to about 2026). No need to decant. Critic score 92/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duckhorn Decoy Zinfandel 2022 Duckhorn · California | £22.90 | |||
| Mettler Old Vine Zinfandel 2021 Mettler · California | £28.86 | |||
| Wente 'Beyer Ranch' Zinfandel, California 2022 Wente Vineyards · California | £19.95 | |||
| Cline Cellars Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel | £18.90 |
Cellar for up to 4 years. No need to decant before serving. Dry Creek Vineyard was founded by David S. Stare in 1972 and was the first winery to be founded in Dry Creek Valley since Prohibition. David’s ambitious vision for the region led to its transformation from a small farming community to a well-known Sonoma wine region. The Dry Creek Valley AVA in Sonoma County has long been known for its intense and hearty Zinfandel wines which are crafted from the region’s many old vines and this has become an area of specialism for Dry Creek Vineyard. In 1982 the estate’s vineyard manager, Duff Bevill, took cuttings from a pre-Prohibition Zinfandel vineyard near Geyserville. After many years of cultivating these young vines in 1997 the estate had succeeded in creating young vines that produced intense, concentrated grapes normally associated with very old vines. Their Heritage Zinfandel is the result of this lengthy research process and is composed of modest amounts of Petite Sirah and Carignane as well as the Zinfandel to add extra complexity. The nose displays heady aromas of dark berries and sweet spices thanks to the 14 months of ageing in French oak, while the first sip reveals a full, smooth body with well-rounded tannins. The rich dark cherry and blackberry flavours are balanced by a subtle acidity which makes this a sensational pairing for beef stews or a prime steak served with fries.