Dry Creek Vineyard/Don Wallace/2020 Vintage/Red Wines

Have Wine Will Travel Radio

I recently traveled into the Dry Creek Valley and sat down with Don Wallace,at Dry Creek Vineyard. We did new features on some of the amazing red wines. Today we have three wines .We will start with the Pinot Noir. Winemaker Notes: The Russian River Valley is perhaps the finest region for growing world-class Pinot Noir in all of California. The coastal climate is ideal with daily heating and cooling cycles that create the perfect conditions to cultivate this delicate grape. We produce just a small amount of Pinot Noir, hand selecting the most optimal fruit from our vineyard. Aged in small French oak barrels, this beautiful wine displays pure varietal characteristics and earthy nuances, true to the terroir of the Russian River Valley appellation. This 2021 vintage displays wonderful aromatics of black cherry, blueberry and rhubarb. Several more minutes of airing reveal notes of black tea, rose and cocoa. On the palate, flavors of raspberry and cranberry integrate with hints of baking spices, orange peel and toasty cedar. The tannins are fine with a delicate mouthfeel and beautiful complexity. This delicious Pinot Noir is flavorful and balanced with naturally high acidity and a long lingering finish. We also opened the beautiful Merlot. Winemaker Notes: We have crafted this classic Bordeaux varietal since 1974. Our first vintage of Merlot was released in 1974, and we have produced this classic Bordeaux varietal ever since. In fact, the Dry Creek Vineyard 1991 Reserve Merlot won the prestigious “Grand Prix d’Honneur” at the 1995 Challenge International Du Vin in Bordeaux, France — much to the surprise of the French! This delicious varietal adds bright aromatics and a velvety mouthfeel as a blending component for our Bordeaux program, but it is outstanding as the dominant varietal as well. In our 2019 vintage, aromas of black cherry, plum and black currant immediately fill the senses. A few more moments reveal notes of nutmeg, cocoa and black and white pepper. The palate is full of wonderful complexity, combining flavors of blackberry and boysenberry. This wine features deep undertones of coriander, bay leaf and mocha with a bright finish and silky tannins. This beautiful wine has excellent structure and balance with a lush, round quality that lingers. these are the tasting notes from their great website. today we will feature a third wine. 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon "Iron Slopes" Dry Creek Valley Winemaker Notes: This high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon was inspired by our decades of working with Bordeaux varietals planted in the different districts and vineyards within Dry Creek Valley. This exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon showcases some of the more extreme growing sites that lie on the western hillsides of Dry Creek Valley. The undulating nature of the terrain provides grapes that are beautifully ripened and lead to a wine that is silky, textured and complex. Juicy aromas of plum and blueberry come forward initially. Additional airing reveals notes of cedar, cinnamon, thyme and coriander. The palate is bold and luxurious with luscious yet earthy flavors of black cherry, fine leather, mocha and white truffle. The finish lingers with notes of white pepper, caramel and oregano. Chewy tannins frame this full-bodied and rich expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. We have two new audio features.Please click on the link at the bottom of this feature,and join Don Wallace and i as we discuss these incredible wines. In the up coming weeks we will have many new audio features with this world class winery and Don Wallace. Cheers!! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine . Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .