06 Nov Dry Creek Zinfandel — Old World or New?
(First posted on November 6, 2012 on www.tastingpanelmag.com)
In September, six top Dry Creek producers — Paul Draper (Ridge), Erik Miller (Kokomo), Clay Mauritson (Mauritson and Rockpile), Doug Nalle (Nalle), Hugh Chappelle (Quivira) and Julie Pedroncelli (Pedoncelli) — participated in a panel discussion at Ridge Winery, “Debunking Zinfandel Myths,” led by journalist Patrick Comiskey.
![]() Left to right: Hugh Chappelle, Erik Miller, Paul Draper, Clay Mauritson, Patrick Comiskey, Doug Nalle and Judy Pedroncelli. |
With vines dating to pre-Prohibition, Zinfandel is the grape most uniquely associated with California viticulture and was the first variety to create a wine craze in California; it is still known as “as the wine of the people.” Today there is a renewed interest in this varietal as Zinfandel is being rediscovered and re-appreciated.
But do we want Old World or New World style Zin?
“It’s a troublesome question to address,” Comiskey explained. “Dry Creek really is a place of effortless naturalness for American Zinfandel. It is in a climate range that guarantees ripeness, and Dry Creek seems ideally suited for getting Zinfandel ripe in a balanced way.”
![]() Dry Creek Valley is noted for Zinfandel. |
Old World Zins comprise claret-style wines with restrained body and enough acid to be food-friendly and age well. New World Zins display a riper, fruit-driven style; made for immediate appreciation, these include late-harvest versions.
“Everyone has their preference and super-ripe styles are not going out of style. But in the tasting, the older wines prove that Zinfandel can age-and age beautifully,” expressed Comiskey.
WINES TASTED
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Nalle 2010 and 2003 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
With over 40 harvests under his belt, Doug Nalle loves the aging capabilities of Zinfandel.
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Pedroncelli 2010 and 2004 Mother Clone Zinfandel
The Pedroncelli family sold grapes during Prohibition. The Mother Vineyard was replanted in the 1970s and today the vines are second-generation.
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Ridge 2009 and 1999 Lytton Springs Zinfandel
Paul Draper proves that Zinfandel ages as the 1999 is a wine close to perfection.
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Quivira 2010 and 2009 “Quest” Zinfandel
Hugh Chappelle’s prior work with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay contributes to his understanding of balance in wines.
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Kokomo 2009 and 2006 “Pauline’s Vineyard” Zinfandel
Erik Miller is a fan of both styles: balanced, age-worthy wines, as well as fruit-forward wines.
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Rockpile Winery 2010 and 2007 “Rockpile Ridge Vineyard” Zinfandel
With vineyards in the distinctive Rockpile AVA, Clay Maurtison’s wines have great power and elegance.