Dry Creek Vineyard

Founded in 1972 by David S. Snare, an MIT grad who was inspired by the Loire Valley wine growing region of France, Dry Creek Vineyard was his dream.  He intended on moving to France but was convinced instead to give it a try in Sonoma Valley, California.  He took classes in winemaking at U.C. Davis.

The Dry Creek location was an orchard and Snare replaced the prunes with grape vines and began to produce Sauvignon Blanc from his French inspiration and against all advice.  Since then Dry Creek has become the standard for Fume Blanc in Northern Sonoma County.  And in the last few decades they have also gained a reputation for Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Dry Chenin Blanc. 

My personal favorite is:

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

.  Grapes 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
.  Harvest: September 27 – October 30, 2006
.  Barrel Aging: 20 months in 54% French oak, 28% American and new oak, 18% Hungarian oak
.  Aging Potential: 8 – 12 years

Recommended to age for a decade or more, I tasted this wine in 2010 and it was smooth with a nose of cherry and dried flowers.  It is opulent on the palate with silky smooth tannins.  With oak nuances the palate fillings are of cocoa, black cherry and sweet current.  It is delicious.