Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Zinfandel “Heritage Vines” 2021 ($25)

Dry Creek Vineyard began an effort 43 years ago to identify vines in old vineyards that produced exceptional fruit. They grafted cuttings from these vines onto modern rootstocks and nurtured a vineyard of “Heritage Vines”. Today, the Dry Creek Vineyards Heritage Vines Zinfandel exemplifies the best that Dry Creek Valley fruit can offer. It shows a balance and complexity that evokes the character of the original old vines. The 2021 Heritage Vines Zinfandel (which is blended with 19% Petite Sirah and 1% Carignane) is deeply colored, with juicy blackberry and raspberry fruits interwoven by violet-floral, baking spices, subtle herbs plus vanilla tones. On the palate, it offers layers of blackberry, raspberry and plum fruits enhanced by hints of vanilla, nutmeg, mint and violets. It definitely has an old-vine Zinfandel style and is a superb bargain for a wine of its quality.
93 Wayne Belding