2022 Dry Creek Vineyards - Zinfandel Heritage Vines (750ml)

Dry Creek Vineyard was established in 1972 by founder David Stare, making it the first new winery to open in Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition and a driving force behind the region's viticultural revival. Among the winery's many firsts, it was the earliest to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the valley and the first to use the term Meritage, back in 1985. Now led by the second generation under Dave's daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, the family owned estate farms 185 acres sustainably and remains deeply rooted in Dry Creek Valley's identity as prime Zinfandel country.

Heritage Vines honors that legacy directly, with cuttings sourced from a pre-Prohibition era vineyard grafted onto phylloxera resistant rootstock. The winery spent years screening and propagating virus free plant material before the resulting vines were mature enough to produce fruit, preserving genetic material from some of Dry Creek Valley's oldest surviving Zinfandel stock. The result carries forward the character of the region's historic plantings while giving the winery consistent, healthy vines capable of sustained production, a rare bridge between old vine complexity and modern viticultural reliability.

The 2022 Heritage Vines opens with black cherry, plum, and ripe blueberry, layered with pepper, baking spice, and cocoa powder. The palate is vibrant, with cranberry and blackberry pie flavors, bright acidity, and deeper notes of espresso and fine leather through the finish. It pairs nicely with barbecued ribs, grilled sausages, or a wedge salad with blue cheese.