2012 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
57% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Teldeschi Ranch
30% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Mounts Ranch
13% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah, Del Carlo Ranch
Year after year we find that the powerful, well-structured Zinfandel of Ray Teldeschi’s ranch (planted c. 1890) blends perfectly with the more Rubenesque Zinfandel of Rich Mounts’ ranch (planted c. 1950) across the valley. 2012 was no exception. Throw in 13% Del Carlo Ranch Petite Sirah (from the northern end of the valley) for volume and texture and you have a classic Dry Creek Zinfandel, displaying all the best attributes of the appellation. Lightly fined with half an egg white per barrel to polish the palate but bottled unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark ruby-red. Explosive, hi-toned aromas of red cherry and raspberry with subtle notes of candied flowers and iron-laced earth. Quite seductive on entry, flavors of cherry and earth dance across the palate towards the spice and fruit-filled finish. An incredibly harmonious and balanced wine with outstanding precision and focus. For my palate, Dry Creek Zinfandel doesn’t get much better than this. Enjoy from release through 2021. (MRO – 01/18/14)