Dry Creek Recommendations RESULTS

WINE TALK
1

We’re gonna head up 101 this weekend, kids are off at camp! Knowing nothing about the producers, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for producers that don’t require advance reservations.

In general we are looking for non-spoofulated (is that the correct term?) tastings. Big oak, big alcohol can be avoided, we hope!

We’ll just be up for the day, driving so distances are a consideration.

Thanks in advance.

2

Have you looked through this amazing thread?

3

Nalle for excellent Zins. Frick if you are into rhone style wines. Great view. If you go to Frick you have to drive by Pedrocelli, they fly under the radar as the wines are not flashy but offer excellent value. Unti has real nice wines in a more restrained style. I like Preston quite a bit but they can be a bit of a zoo especially on Sundays when they do their jug fills. Quivira has been doing good things the last few years. I believe only Unti may require an appointment.

4

Yes, and what an amazing thread it is, but the list of producers is just that, a list, not a “the wines here are great, a must visit” reference.

5

Thanks Sean. I was thinking Frick as well since I’ve read a fee other posts on them here

6

Rafanelli (reserve several weeks in advance) and Ridge.

7

Unti makes really nice wines.

8

I’d add Mauritson and Dry Creek Vineyards.

9

I like Ridge. Good wines, good tasting room with a view of the old vines.

In Healdsburg I’m a fan of Davis Family wine but I’ve not been to the tasting room.

I’ve enjoyed some Gustafson Family wines, but again I’ve not been to the tasting room.

10

This was debated at the time we were developing the list. Some wanted it to be a list of wineries recommended by those here, and others were pushing for a more comprehensive list. The compromise we struck was to put a [berserker.gif] on the list next to any business that was specifically recommended by one of us. The only criteria was that someone in that thread had to recommend it.

In the DCV winery section, I see 3 wineries which are “berserker recommended” - Nalle, Talty, and Ridge. Likely Nalle and Ridge came from me. Since you got further recommendations in this thread, perhaps we should look at keeping that up-to-date with this.

11

Thanks Larry. I skimmed through some of that debate but didn’t clue in on the emoticon thing.

12

It’s good feedback rick and points to an area where we can probably improve the list. As you can see, it’s an issue that concerns me: http://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1418812#p1418812

13

Ridge and Mazzocco are neighbors, and both make nice wines. Preston is a nice visit if it’s not too crowded.

If you’re in the DCV, you’ll also be fairly close to Healdsburg, and the Seghesio tasting room is pleasant. If you need a bite and want a change of pace (beer), the Bear Republic brewpub is great.

14

+1 to Pedroncelli. Great QPR wines in the under$30 category. Let them sleep for a year or two. Also, Dry Creek Vineyards.

15

Coffaro is an interesting visit and well worth a stop.

Cheers,
Curt

16

Thanks all for the recommendations. Should be able to come up with a game plan. I’ll report back some highlights after the weekend.

17
  • whatever on Ridge and Unti. The vineyard tour at Ridge is interesting and informative. If you go to Unti, be sure to taste the '12 Grenache, which has been bottled but was not a standard part of the tasting as of a week ago. I mentioned enjoying previous vintages and so Mick Unti pulled out the '12 and let us try it. It’s very good and I happily left with a few bottles.
18

I second the Unti comments. I’ve really enjoyed their Grenache over the years. It’s a casual tasting experience, but that’s what makes Dry Creek great IMO.

19

Quivira has a nice line up of “nonspoofulated” wines that you should try.

20

I’ve booked an appt with Unti. Looking forward to this one.