WorthyWines of the World
Special Report
Peter and Mary Beth Smiderle have produced three vintages of Zinfandel from their Dry Creek Valley estate. WiseGuy’s notes...
2005 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
This wine was picked on October 10th at 26.4 brix. Blended with 2% Petite Sirah, it was aged in 100% french oak, 20% of which was new. The nose is bright candied cherry and raspberry with some light pepper and herbal notes. The mouthfeel is juicy and full, with nice acidity and big redfruit and spice on the palate. The finish add in some anise and chocolate.
13.8% alcohol. 155 cases produced. SRP 24.00.
2006 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
Released in April 2008, this wine shows blackberry, raspberry, menthol, mocha, violets and vanilla. Candied black cherry fruit dominates the palate, with pleasant menthol and clove in the background. The finish is long, with cedar and chocolate coming in to play at the end. 2% Petite Sirah.
14.9% alcohol. 265 cases produced. SRP 24.00.
2007 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
Due for release this spring, the ’07 was a difficult wine to produce. Late rain brought mold to the fruit, which meant a lot of hand sorting of clusters on October 13th. This one has 4% Petite Sirah, and shows again that candied black cherry core against a pepper and chocolate backdrop. The mouthfeel is viscous and rich, with a hint of raisin adding complexity.
15.2% alcohol. 277 cases produced. SRP 24.00.
2005 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley
Rich and supple, with raspberry, blackberry and vanilla on the nose. Juicy mouthfeel, with a bit of menthol and spearmint balancing the berries on the palate. This wine is ready to drink now, and was great with Bucheron Chevre.
13.5% alcohol. 80 cases produced. SRP 26.00.
2006 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley
More on the blackfruit side, with some tar, tobacco, raisin and spice on the nose. In the mouth, firm tannins prop up a briary mix of berries with cinnamon and sweet oak and a lingering spiced berry finish with some sarsaparilla. Contains 2% Zinfandel.
14.3% alcohol. 95 cases produced. SRP 26.00.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
MoniClaire Vineyards
MoniClaire
A new family winery!
