Tried this last night after dumping two Zins:
1. DryCreekVnyd CabSauv SonomaCnty (13.3%; 93% CS/4% Merlot/3% CabFranc; Aged: Missouri oak) DaveStare/LarryLevin 1986: Very dark color w/ little bricking; rather cedary/pencilly/oak light herbal/chocolaty/DrPepper strong blackcurranty/Cab light earthy/loamy complex wonderful nose; soft lush/blackcurranty/Cab/herbal slight loamy/earthy rather cedary/pencilly/toasty/oak smooth/velvety balanced complex flavor w/ light gentle tannins; very long rather strang blackcurranty/Cab/herbal bit loamy/earthy/truffly some cedary/pencilly/oak/toasty smooth complex finish w/ light/velvety tannins; has developed a very nice complexity and in a very good place right now; ready to drink up before it fades away into the sunset.
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. I have, of course, followed DaveStare from the very start..the '72 GamayBeaujolais. I had the pleasure of chatting w/ him again about a month ago when I was out there. He's still very involved in the wnry activities (though it's probably been awhile since he's topped a barrel or hosed down a tank), but has stepped back somewhat to focus on his trombone & banjo and following his grandkids.
Grandson Spencer is heavily involved in par corps (or parkour)...a sort of urban obstacle course w/ military backgrounds and gymnastic leanings. These guys are absolutely incredible athletes...if maybe a bit crazy at times. Do a Google of par corps and look at some of the YouTube videos. Makes MichaelJordan look like a klutz.
DCV is a wnry that never seems to get the respect they deserve...probably because you can find their CheninBlanc and FumeBlanc in TJ's and large outlets all over the place. In fact, they are making some Zins from old vines in DryCreekVlly that are as good as any from there. But it's the Cab and blends that seems to be ignored by all the critics. They are danged good and as good as any Sonoma Cab you can find. And very reasonably priced. I am not a big fan of Cabs, particularly NapaVlly. I only buy two Cabs yr in & yr out...MonteBello and DryCreekVnyds. It's a shame they don't get the respect they deserve.
TimBell has been the winemaker there now for a few yrs and seems to be tweaking the DCV wines up yet another notch.
Tom