2005 Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel "Old Vine"

Winery: Dry Creek Vineyard

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Old Vine"

Wine Category: Zinfandel

Grape blend: 90% Zinfandel & 10% Petite Sirah

Region: Dry Creek Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $28

Cases produced: 2,855

KWG Score: 89.7 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: March 31, 2008

Wine Review: Over the years I have been fond of this offering from Dry Creek Vineyard. This year the 2005 vintage keeps those fond thoughts going. This very dark ruby wine opens with a spicy fruitcake bouquet with notes of boysenberry. On the palate, this wine is round, fruit forward, and has a very dry mouthfeel. It displays a fruity and juicy cherry and cola like flavor profile with hints of boysenberry and cocoa. The finish is quite dry its plentiful tannins linger for some time. Decant this young wine if you want it now and serve it with pot roast with roasted potatoes and Lyonnaise carrots. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: This Old Vine Zinfandel is comprised of five unique vineyards from the Dry Creek Valley. The average age of these properties is more than 80 years old, which contribute a special flavor profile that is difficult to describe. At first swirl, the 2005 vintage displays a spicy, lush black fruit character that leaps from the glass. On the palate, classic briary and raspberry flavors appear with layers of white pepper and cardamom adding a spicy complexity. The finish displays additional spice with smoky vanilla from the French oak, leading to a long and satisfying aftertaste. Delicious to the very last drop!

Organic status: not organic