2008 Quivera Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Ever have one of those wines that is such a surprise you start thinking, this wine may just change my life! Ok, well maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration but a recent sample 2008 Quivera Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel was so delightful, I’m hoping I receive additional sample offerings from Quivera in the near future.

Zesty and spicy pepper aromas, smoky flavors hit front palate, plum and raspberry join the party mid-palate, complex and lingering fruity finish. Perfect balance between sweet and dry with well structured tannins.

Appellation – Dry Creek Valley
Varietal – 95% Zinfandel, 5% Syrah
Alcohol – 14.8%
Production – 4,200 cases

In a previous Quivera review, click here, I covered the wineries biodynamic practices. Looking at the Events tab on their website speaks to how the winery follows through with this belief. If you happen to find yourself in Heraldsburg, CA on Feb. 12, you can reserve your seat for their from Farm-to-Table dinner. The event offers guests a chance to observe Quivera’s farming and winemaking practices. As an attendant you have the opportunity to play winemaker in a blending session. I’ve been a part of a blending session and it really is fun to taste your wine and compare to others. I have to say, my blend was voted 2nd best in a group of 14, enough about me though. The evening ends with a three-course dinner featuring heritage pig raised on the estate and heirloom vegetables grown in their gardens. .I’ll be incredibly jealous of anyone who does attend!

The wild boar on the label makes me happy, the juice inside the bottle makes me happier. While wine may not be life altering, it certainly can be mood altering.

2011© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.
http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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2007 Ravenswood Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel

Can you feel it, that hint of cool crisp air coming across in the autumn breeze? Makes me want to start the fire pit and grab a glass of wine. While it’s still too warm for the fire, wine doesn’t care what the temp is outside but when temperatures drop I do tend to change my wine choice to those bold reds. To celebrate the arrival of fall, I’m reaching for another sample of Ravenswood, this time the 2007 Ravenswood Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel.

Aromas of black pepper and blackberries carry over to the flavors. Red ripe fruit up front, well structured tannins rounding out with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon.

Composition – 76% Zinfandel, 8% Petit Sirah, 8% Carignane, 8% Mixed Blacks

Appellation – Sonoma County

Aging – 18 months in 100% French oak
Total Acidity - .63g/100ml
pH – 3.58
Alcohol – 14.5%
Price - $17

"No Wimpy Wines” is Ravenswood’s motto and a common thread in their wine series. The County Series sources grapes from Sonoma, Napa and Lodi regions with a focus on the Sonoma County heritage. Ravenswood joined with UC Davis and ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) to preserve California Zinfandel heritage selections, the oldest vines planted in California.

Thought to originate in Croatia, Zinfandel was once “king” in California vineyards but now represents approximately 10% of the planted vineyards. Those that have remained are there for a reason: location, location, location. Susceptible to rot if too much rain falls, the Zinfandel vineyards that have survived are planted in the perfect micro-climate and farmed well.

As I enjoy the cool autumn air with the breeze flowing through the open windows as I type, I’m dismayed it’s too early in the morning (even I have drinking standards) to enjoy another bottle of Ravenswood.

Ravenswood is hosting me and a handful of others at the end of October to be inducted into The Order of the Raven. Be on the lookout for more Ravenswood wine write ups.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.
http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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2007 Quivira Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Have I mentioned lately what a great gig I have going. Not only do I get to sample great tasting wine (for the most part) but I get to sample wines that I may not find in my local wine store or big box retailer. This week I sampled a 2007 Quivira Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel and I have to say this wine is quite a gem.

The color in the glass is deep brick red with aromas of black pepper, wild berries and spice. A flavor explosion of black berry, vanilla and plums washes over the palate. Well balanced layering of fruits, spices and oak. Tannins are moderate and create an enjoyable dry finish with a lingering fruits. A very sophisticated wine and still priced affordable.

Varietal – 93% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah

Aging – 10 mos French oak barrel, 15% new
Alcohol – 14.9%
Production – 3,900 cases
Price - $20

Located in the Dry Creek Valley, Quivira focuses on small-lot wines, matching varietals specifically suited to the terroir. Versed in the practice of Biodynamic agriculture the methods at times may seem a little unusual. Take for example the annual event where the vineyard buries cow horns filled with a Biodynamic prep material. This method is commonly referred to as preparation 500. The horns are typically buried on the Autumnal Equinox and recovered on the Spring Equinox. The material or fermented manure is thought to revive degraded soil.

Biodynamic viticulture is a source of controversy combining both agricultural and spiritual aspects. Despite the controversy in blind tastings made up of wine experts and Masters of Wine, the biodynamic wines have generally been judged as superior to other wines. I can tell you from my personal experience, this wine had personality that a lot of other wines lack.

I did some research online for this bottling and did find it available throughout the US in local wine stores as well as for online purchase. If you’re lucky enough to find, you may want to hold for a few years. I have a feeling this one will do nothing but improve with age.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.
http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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