Deep ruby-black color; blackberry, plum, black cherry, vanilla, black pepper, white chocolate, herbs on the nose and palate.
Dry; supple tannins and soft acidity (3.76 pH). Bold, exceptionally smooth, rich. Enjoyable mouthfeel. Vivid fruitiness cleverly covers significant alcohol. Blend of 88% zinfandel, 12% petite sirah. 14.9% ABV
The wine is a collaborative effort, with Dutcher Crossing’s neighbor’s Bob and Sandy Comstock’s vineyard. Dutcher notes: “The Comstock’s vineyard provides big berry fruit aromas and flavors while our estate Zinfandel and Petite Sirah lend structure, breadth, and definition to this fruit-forward, power packed, and very serious Zinfandel.”
Debra Mathy purchased Dutcher Crossing in 2007 to fulfill a lifelong yearning to own a winery in Sonoma County. The operation came with 35 acres that made five wines. In ensuing years, Debra and her team expanded on her dream. Today, Dutcher Crossing creates more than 30 wines from a variety of wine regions in Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties and owns 75 acres of estate-designated vintage.
The vintage penny-farthing bicycle on the label pays homage to Debra’s passion as a cyclist and collector. It also is a tribute to her father, who encouraged Debra to pursue her dreams. Today, Debra has tasked vineyard manager Enrique Reyes and winemaker Nick Briggs to take carry on the vision into the next generation. Briggs notes: “We are only as good as we are because of the people we surround ourselves with.”
Dutcher Crossing Proprietor’s Reserve Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2018: Smooth, balanced, delicious celebration of dark fruits and zin personality. Significant alcohol, as you expect with very ripe zinfandel, but it works with the fruitiness, amenable tannins and acidity. Big , rich, jammy in the mouth. Pair with smoked chicken with barbecue sauce; lamb; beef; beef and pork barbecue; turkey. Cheese—spicy cheeses, strong cheeses, double or triple cream camembert or brie, gorgonzola, parmesan, manchego, cheddar, blue cheese, feta, aged gruyere, havarti, gorgonzola. Zinfandel is very versatile with cheese pairing. $36
