Tasting Zinfandel in Dry Creek

Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County has a deserved reputation for Zinfandel. Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and others do well there, too, but Zin is king. 

So what are some wineries to check out? There are already lots of lists for the Ten Best Zinfandels in Dry Creek. This one is a little different because, honestly, there is so much great Zinfandel in DCV that any list is never definitive. 

There are different styles of Zin that's basically in two camps. I'll call them traditional and jammy. The former is lower alcohol with an arbitrary cutoff at 14.5%. It's not just about the alcohol level, but the sense of restraint. The lower alcohol ones are lighter often with noticeable tannins and acids. I think of them as more food-friendly and ageable. The latter is full of red fruits, soft, and often comes across sweet. Sometimes there is residual sugar, but often is just your palate interpreting the fruit flavors as sweet. Making it a bit more complicated, often some of the traditional styled ones in the 14.x% alcohol range will still be very fruity, but don't quite have the viscosity or softness of the fruit bombs. 

Which style do you like? Maybe you don't know. I'm going to suggest a few of each. If you come to visit try to sample from both ends of the Zinfandel spectrum even if you think you already know what you like. 

Traditional, medium-bodied Zinfandel

Dry Creek Vineyard - This second generation family winery has been a mainstay of Dry Creek Valley for almost 50 years. They make about ten Zins. The Heritage Vines is a bargain. There are several single vineyard Zinfandels that give you a real taste through the valley. They usually add Petite Sirah in the blend in the old school tradition.

Nalle - This is about as restrained as you get with alcohol levels in the 13.8% range (talk about old school). They only make a couple and one is often sold out. I put Nalle on the list even though they may only have one or two Zins for you to try because they are the poster child for food-friendly Zinfandel.

Ridge-Lytton Springs - Another mainstay of Dry Creek with at least 15 Zins though many are not from Dry Creek Valley, but from "next door" in Alexander Valley and other parts of the state. They do traditional blending with Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Alicante Bouschet. 

Ridge - Lytton Springs

Jammy and bold  

Bella - Several Zins available (their specialty) including from the highly respected Maple Vyds. A wine cave tour & tasting is offered. Their style is slightly less in your face jammy compared with the other two on this list.

Mazzocco - Zinfandel is their specialty and for many this is the king of the jammy Zins. They make about 30(!) of them with most from Dry Creek. For an easy way to try the two styles of Zin you'll find Ridge (see above) right down the road.

Wilson - The same family owns Mazzocco. They have about 30 Zins, mostly from Dry Creek, and maybe a bit more restrained than the in-your-face Mazzocco style. Diane Wilson has been making wine and winning gold medals for almost three decades.

Bella Vineyards

Want to do this in Napa Valley?

Two well known Zin producers at opposite ends of the spectrum are Baile and Storybook Mountain.

Yes, Dry Creek has a few choices