Straight from the heart of Dry Creek Valley.
We secured the winery's final 35 cases for an absolute steal.
94 Points - North Coast Wine Challenge
93 Points - Chris Sawyer "Sommelier to the Stars"
93 Points - Texas International Wine Challenge
Some wines are born for the cellar; others are born for the grill. The 2022 Michael-Scott Zinfandel from Sonoma County's legendary Dry Creek Valley is the definition of the latter.
When the winery contacted us to close out the remaining 35 cases of this vintage, we knew exactly what time it was. This is a quintessential California Zin that thrives in the summer heat. While it’s a big, expressive red, its bright underlying acidity and velvety tannins make it an effortless partner for everything coming off the open flame.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, it opens with explosive aromas of ripe briar fruits, wild blackberry, and a touch of vanilla oak. On the palate, it delivers a rich wave of dark plum and cocoa, balanced by that classic Dry Creek cracked black pepper finish. It’s bold enough to stand up to heavy smoke and sweet BBQ glaze, yet smooth enough to sip on the patio as the sun goes down.
This is a final inventory closeout. When these 35 cases are gone, this vintage is officially history. Stock up for your summer gatherings while it last.
The Details
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
With a beautiful rural landscape, a rich winemaking history dating back to the 1860s, and one of the largest concentrations of old vine Zinfandel plantings on the West Coast, it's easy to understand why Dry Creek Valley, located in the Northwest corner of Sonoma County, has become a popular destination visited by millions of red wine fans and an inspiration for so many winemakers throughout the years.
Winemaking
60-year-old vine GNARLY hillside Zinfandel from a tiny parcel in the warm, rocky, pristine Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. A splash of Petite Sirah for depth, and WOW! Takes a Zinfandel to another level. This wine is luscious, inky, and energetic. There's really nothing quite like it!
Download Full Technical Sheet & Cellar Notes
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
