Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel 2016

Drink now through to 2024. 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.