Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

A. Rafanelli

Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over period that lasted a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with mostly fresh, tart, vibrant red fruits: red brambles, red currants and tart cherries with some pyrazines, tobacco, some cool herbs, dry earth and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and bordering high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the body is perceptibly leaner than both the 1988 and the 2018. That being said, I love its transparency because it is clearly telling part of the story of the vintage. The frost was merciless in Dry Creek in the spring of 2008. So far, the evolution seems slow to me. Drink now with a decant but considering the structure, this has a long life ahead. If I had another bottle, I would open my next after 2028. — 18 days ago

Ira, Aaron and 7 others liked this

Belle Glos

Dairyman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021

Big, complex Pinot, jammy, fruit forward but not, I think, a fruit bomb. Dark red,purple shades. — 2 days ago

Ted and Martin liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Pagani Ranch Sonoma Valley Zinfandel Blend 2021

Another great wine from this great, great producer. Aromatic with California ripeness yet fresh and lively. Raspberry, dark chocolate, dark cherry, herbs and spices. Great quality of fruit. Long finish. — a month ago

Jay, Byron and 6 others liked this

Beringer Vineyards

Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

On the nose, this is blackberry, red cherries, red currant... Cocoa powder? On the palate, the blackberry and current is still there, but certainly some herbal notes as well... Green pepper... Dried sage... Medium body and tannins are quite pronounced at this stage... Another couple of years may have been preferred to soften a bit though this may be at the expense of the great currant up front... I feel there's some smokiness in the texture that I like here... The finish is long and makes me think of tree bark... A nice pairing for us tonight with flank steak. — 3 days ago

Anita Beishuizen
with Anita
Martin, Robin and 1 other liked this

A. Rafanelli

Unfiltered Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2022

Poured into a Boa decanter several hours prior to dinner. The 2022 Zinfandel pours a ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of bright brambles: blackberries and raspberries, cherry (some candied, think Cherry Blow Pop), pipe tobacco, black pepper, dry organic earth and gentle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with some notes of mocha added to the mix. The finish is long and delightful. Fun to try in its youth however I expect these will show even better after a few years in the cellar. Best after 2027 and through 2042. — a month ago

Tom, Marc and 9 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Just got mine last week! Appreciate the sneak preview!

Kosta Browne

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021

On the nose, there is blackberry and dark cherry... On the palate, beautiful baked blackberry tart... Maybe even some baking spices in there as well including a wee cinnamon... The mild spice of an oriental pipe tobacco lurking... Acidity is middle of the road... Blueberry makes a late appearance... The tannins here are very soft and contributing to a long length that seems to go the earthy, savory direction... — 7 days ago

Anita Beishuizen
with Anita
Ira, LM and 2 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Blend

Raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, and mint on the nose. — 12 hours ago

Williams Selyem

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2004

4th place. Yummy oak and furry jewelry box. On the downslope. — 12 hours ago

Shay, Eric and 6 others liked this

Merry Edwards

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

On the nose red cherry, raspberry, herb, smoke - on the palate same but maybe a little plum - smooth tannins. Very good — 10 days ago

EnRoute Winery

Les Pommiers Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Tony D
9.2

Good Pinot. Light easy. Good for a Thursday when your kid opens the wrong bottle. Pleasantly surprised! Better than the Thursday leftovers that it was paired with. Approx 40$. — 25 days ago