As the world slowly lurches forward out of its malaise, it’s time to celebrate with bright and optimistic wines. Can wines be optimistic? We think so, and our mood certainly brightened after tasting these new releases from Dry Creek Vineyard in Sonoma.
2019 DCV Block 10 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Grapes for this wine come from 30 select rows in the DCV Block 10 Vineyard in Russian River Valley. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, a technique we especially love in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
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It has lemon notes mingled with minerality. Its richness is enhanced by barrel-aging in French oak (28% new) and malolactic fermentation. The overall flavor is bright, with hints of oak from its brief aging. A beautifully balanced Chard priced at $34.
2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley
This is a superb wine that is an undeniable value. The wine is 71% Sauvignon Blanc and includes Sauvignon Gris (7%) and Sauvignon Musqué (22%) clones. The Sauvignon Musqué provides juiciness and the Sauvignon Gris provides texture. We just love the complexity that comes with this blend. It makes other Sauvignon Blancs look plain by comparison.
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The barrel regimen is also unique: 17% is aged in acacia, chestnut, and oak barrels - the rest stainless steel. Dry Creek Vineyard has more than 50 years of experience with growing Sauvignon Blanc in Dry Creek Valley, and it shows. This is a layered glass of balanced acidity, herbaceousness, cooling grapefruit, lime zest and rounded apricot and stone fruit notes. Each nuanced sip beckons you to take one more. SRP is $20.
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley
Think Dry Creek Valley is only for Zinfandel? Hold your horses. Although the region is known primarily for Zinfandel, the AVA has almost as much Cabernet Sauvignon planted. This Cab benefits from vibrant sunshine and cool foggy evenings to ripen just right while maintaining ample acidity.
This is a silky take on Cab with 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 2% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It spends 19 months in French oak (36% new). There is a cranberry core with floral highlights. A delightful mineral note wraps it all together. We found this to be delightful on the patio paired with a starry night. It is right-priced also, at $32.
Full Disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.
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