Dry Creek Valley is known for zinfandel, and with generally good reason, as the valley is so warm in the summer that few other varieties fare well. However, this view misses an important point: the “valley” AVA actually includes the steep hillsides that surround the valley floor, where fog and elevation moderate temperatures and rocky, impoverished soils force the vines to struggle, producing concentrated, flavorful grapes. This can result in stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that has structure and power, and best of all, actually tastes like Cabernet. Today’s wine is an example of Dry Creek hillside Cabernet at its finest, combining power, elegance, and balance into a wine of great depth and character.
The 2003 Collier Falls “Hillside Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from extremely steep, rocky vineyards high in the hills in the far Northwest Dry Creek Valley. A tiny percentage of Petit Verdot and Cabernet franc are blended in to add complexity. Deep purple in color, the nose explodes with crème de cassis, leather, tobacco, graphite, sassafras, and an incredibly beautiful aroma of violets. This wine is in a beautiful place, with the nose showing a little bit of age, yet remaining fresh. The palate is equally lively and vibrant, with black cherry, fresh blackberry, leather, and the slightest hint of capsicum. At this age, the wine is very smooth, and yet it still possesses a backbone of firm tannins that indicate it can still age for several years. The finish shows incredible depth, going on and on, drawing you in for more. This is so balanced that it can go with a wide range of food, but it would be perfect with braised meat or beef stew.
Harvest Dates: September 19, 2003
Average Degree Brix: 26
Bottling Date: September 2005
Release Date: December 2007
pH: 3.38
TA: 0.54g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.8%
Blend: 98% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2% Estate Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot
Aging: 22 months in 100% French oak barrels
Fermentation: Closed top, aerative pump-overs
Skin Contact: 45 days (alcoholic fermentation & extended maceration)
Racked: 5 times previous to bottling
Total Cases Made: 1100 750ml
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
