Winemaker's Notes
The 2018 Heritage Vines Zinfandel is delicious and beautifully balanced. This vintage presents enticing aromatics of boysenberry, cranberry, and plum with hints of coriander, cardamom, and dark chocolate. On the palate, brambly flavors of blackberry and black cherry come forward. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by deeper notes of cumin, black pepper, and white pepper. The tannins are silky and smooth to lend a round, rich mouthfeel. From start to finish, this remarkable wine offers refreshing acidity paired with excellent structure
John's Notes
Every few weeks, I like to promote a few remaining bottles in the Cellar so folks can get one last chance at them before they sell out. Grab these before they’re gone!
- Da Vinci Chianti, DOCG 2017, Tuscany, Italy ($11.99) – only 8 left
- Meiomi Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine, North Coast, California ($17.99) – only 9 left
- Quilt Reserve Cabernet 2015, Napa Valley, California ($90.99) – only 4 left
- Daou Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Paso Robles, California ($16.29) – only 11 left
Nerdy Details
Winemaker: Dry Creek Vineyard, winemaker Tim Bell
- Founded in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard was the first new winery established in the Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition
- Our 185 acres of estate vineyards are the foundation of our winery. Using the latest technology and working diligently with our grower partners, we carefully manage our vineyards to ensure the highest standards of quality for each vintage
- Combining two passions, we were inspired to use the sailing ship theme on our wine labels. In 1982, when the original idea was unveiled, it was seen as a rather daring and risky move. Nearly 40 years later, the sailing ships that adorn our wine bottles are easily identifiable and recognized by consumers around the world
Variety: 77% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah, 1% Carignane
Region: Sonoma County, California
Climate/Vintage:
- Following a long growing season characterized by cooler than normal temperatures throughout the spring and summer, the 2018 harvest started 5-8 days later than the past several years. The milder temperatures afforded the luxury of a longer hang time for the grapes, allowing them to fully mature while retaining a high level of acidity. Overall, the harvest was plentiful with some vineyards producing higher than average quantities. The season ended with the ideal combination of warm days and cooler nights which enabled the high quality of grapes to thrive while developing complexity and nuance
Viticulture/Winemaking:
- The development of the Heritage Clone was initiated in 1982 to preserve the tradition and “heritage” of old Zinfandel vineyards. Cuttings from a pre-Prohibition era vineyard were grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock. Then, for several years we worked diligently to screen and propagate virus-free vines that would ultimately produce a crop. Finally, in 1997 the process concluded with a “young vine” wine with “old vine” Zinfandel characteristics, reminiscent of turn of the century heirloom vines
- Soils: Clay loam
- Vine age: 23 – 110+ years
- Harvest dates: September 8 – October 5, 2018
- Aged for 14 months in American, Hungarian and French oak; 22% new oak
- Fermentation for 12 – 14 days in fermenters at 82 – 88˚F, pumped over twice daily
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.62
Pairs Well With: Barbecued ribs, pasta with meat sauce, dried meats
Reviews
Wine Spectator (91): A spirited red, with a supple texture and well-layered black cherry, licorice and grilled sage flavors that pick up speed toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2028
Wilfred Wong (91): The Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Vines Zinfandel is always one of my go-to, most dependable, high-quality Zins. The 2018 vintage is another excellent effort. This wine explodes with charming and focused aromas and flavors of blackberries, licorice, and sweet spices. Pair it with lamb kabobs. 5/6/2020
Wine Enthusiast (90): Blended with 22% Petite Sirah and 1% Carignan, this thick, full-bodied wine is robust in feel. Cranberry, plum and blackberry give the fruit a tangy brightness before finishing touches of cola and cinnamon
