Dry Creek Vineyard

Dry Creek Valley is as good for growing Bordeaux varieties as Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley. It just happened to get famous for Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc before it got famous for Cabernet. The region’s reputation will probably change in a generation, though, because of wines like this: a $22 Cabernet that is great when it’s released, has the stuffing to age near-term or long-term, and captures all the good things about the grape in a seamless package at only 13.5% alcohol.

The aromas are very attractive, with chocolatey depth in the mix of dark red and black fruit; there’s a bit of chalk for Bordeaux authenticity too. All those qualities come right into the flavors, along with a beautiful blueberry quality that emerges in the mid-palate and remains through the finish. Everything including the tannins and acids are expressed with restraint and elegance, even as the wine expands and fills your chamber with polish and self-assurance.

Reviewed May 23, 2007 by Thom Elkjer.