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
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.
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.
Inky, plush, cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
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.
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar 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.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
95 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Chewy & Ripe
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.
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.
93 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
