Review: Quivira 2019 Anderson Ranch Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($50)

 

This is a lovely example of the increasingly sophisticated, balanced style of Zinfandel that is trending state-wide.  Made by the esteemed winemaker Hugh Chappelle, this organically-farmed Anderson Ranch wine comes from elevated benchlands with well-drained, sandy soils. It has tremendous balance, showing racy, brambly raspberry fruit with notes of mint and bay laurel, cinnamon, white pepper, and cola. Only about 20% new French oak is applied to the wine, and that for a relatively short 8 months before the wine is matured in larger, neutral foudres. Very impressive. (93 Points)

- Tim Teichgraeber

Review: Quivira 2022 Wine Creek Road Ranch Rosé Dry Creek Valley, CA ($30) Best Rosé in California?

 

 

I'm a big fan of Quivira winemaker Hugh Chappelle, who first amazed me with his extraordinary Chardonnays at Lynmar Estate in Russian River Valley. Now that he's been at Quivira in Dry Creek Valley for a while, he's banging out refined Zinfandels, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, and this exceptional rosé blended from Grenache, Primitivo, Counoise, Petite Sirah, and Mourvèdre. It's a unique and symphonic blend, and I think it's one of the most pretty, precise, consistent, and delicious rosé wines made in California. At $30, it ain't cheap, but I'd argue it's worth it if you want the very best. It is also made from CCOF organically-grown grapes. (94 Points)

- Tim Teichgraeber

Quivira 2019 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley ($28)

 Winemaker Hugh Chappelle has done a great job of fine-tuning the wines from this well-farmed, Eco-conscious estate in Dry Creek Valley in recent years, and this Zin is a great example. It is bursting with brambly berry fruit, but the oak notes are quite mild, it isn't too sweet, the alcohol is balanced, and it has decent acidity and freshness. This one doesn't claim to be estate bottled, but it's beautifully made and delicious. (92 Points)

- Tim Teichgraeber