Dry Creek Vineyard was founded in 1972 in what is now the Dry Creek Valley AVA in Sonoma County, located northwest of the town of Healdsburg.  The valley is formed by Dry Creek, a tributary of the Russian River. Before their arrival, the Dry Creek Valley was little more than a few family farms and prune orchards.  The estate now farms 185 acres.   The make a high-quality California wine without the high Napa prices.  Come taste a selection of their wines with us this Saturday.
 
2017 Dry Creek Chenin Blanc – $13
At first swirl, aromatics of honeydew melon, white peach and Meyer lemon spring forward from the glass with notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle and chamomile. On the palate, the wine is refreshing with flavors of lemon, pear and mango with a hint of green apple. The mouthfeel is lively but rich and has a subtle creaminess.
 
2017 Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc – $17
76% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Sauvignon Musqué, 9% Sauvignon Gris 
The Sauvignon Musqué and Sauvignon Gris adds a layer of depth and a fleshy, full-bodied mouthfeel. This wine presents tropical aromas of pineapple, passionfruit, melon and candied lemon. On the palate, flavors of lemon curd, guava, tangerines and nectarine come through with a slightly creamy, but lively finish. Small amounts of chestnut, acacia and French oak barrels add additional character and nuance.
 
2013 Dry Creek Merlot – $19
85% Merlot 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc
The 2013 vintage was “cool” in every sense of the word. A very mild summer and a crisp fall allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and fully.  The resulting wine is showing lively spices and ripe berry nuances. Aromas of red cherry, dried flowers and pepper fill the senses. The palate is full of wonderful fruity complexity, combining a mixture of red plum, black cherry and red cherry. There’s a spicy undertone and the tannins are silky and smooth.
 
2016 Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon – $24
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot
The Cabernet Sauvignon displays lively aromatics of black cherry, black currant and dried blueberry. Additional airing reveals nuances of dried Herbes de Provence, cola, leather and black olive. The palate is full-bodied and rich with elegant flavors of black currant and dried cranberry with notes of cocoa powder, espresso, nutmeg and cedar. The wine is fruit-forward and youthful, with fine tannins and a finish of black and white pepper.

2017 Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel – $18
77% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 2% Carignane
This Zinfandel presents enticing aromatics of dried cranberry and boysenberry with hints of cocoa powder, nutmeg, dried sage and cedar. On the palate, brambly flavors of blackberry and black cherry come forward with bright acidity complimented by deeper notes of dark chocolate, espresso and black pepper. The tannins are silky and smooth to lend a round, rich mouthfeel. From start to finish, this wine offers refreshing acidity paired with excellent structure and a round, rich mouthfeel.

Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday, we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.