Even before I saw the call for TNs today I had decided to post one for this beauty.

Pre-Drinking: Took the day off due to a morning doctor's appointment and decided to take the boat out for a drive around the Pacific Ocean. The water was like a lake, light fog but clear enough to drive full out. While the water was too cold for most fishing, 62, it was clear blue. Altogether a great day to just drive around and enjoy seeing the birds, seals and water. This left me in a very relaxed mood, and ready to relax with a glass of Zin while slowly cleaning the boat and relaxing afterward.

Selection: While I knew I was in the mood for a Zin , I had to peruse the list. I have a few older Reserves, some '98 Seghesios, and a lot of '99s, all ready for drinking. After running throught most of them in my mind, I decided on the '99 Dry Creek Old Vines.

Opening: I pulled the cork, and poured a small sample into a good stem for a preview. The color was deep red, with Ruby edges. A quick taste hit me right in the face! This was going to be a good bottle! But first I had to clean the boat while the wine opened up some more.

Tasting: The boat got a good cleaning, with a taste or two of the first glass on the way. It was getting even better. Finally I sat down for some serious relaxing. I poured a little more into the glass and sat down to swirl and admire. The nose was full, with promises of Blackberry. The legs were full and long. Finally a good taste, The Blackberry was there, with hints of Allspice and walnuts. The fruit was still strong, and the slight edges this wine had a few years ago were gone. It was smooooooth, with a lingering aftertast that remained true to the original flavor.

This wine, at this time and in my opinion, is deserving of a 90, which I think is higher than it was originally rated. It drinks well now, and will do even better over the next year or two. I happen to like Zins that can hold up for a few years, and this is one of those.

NE14ZIN,

Great tasting notes! This is one of my favorite Zins and although I haven't had it for several months you've made me want to go open one of the 2 remaining bottles I have left. But I think I will wait. I agree that this will get even better with a year or two of age.

BTW, my parents live in Fountain Valley and I will be there on the weekend of the 16th of November. As I am coming from Miami, keep some of that cool, dry air for me!!!

Emilio

We always visit Dry creek when we're out there. It's not one of the best wineries, but they produce sturdy, reliable wines at very fair prices, and the winery has great picnic facilities.

Emilio:

The weather on land has been cool lately, but with lots of fog and heavy dew in the morning. Nice SoCal Fall weather.

Board-O:

I like Dry Creek Vineyard beacause I have never had a bad wine from there. They are mostly good, with an occasional very-good. They often have very good Zins, especially the Old Vines and Reserve which age well, and Epoch. It is a good place to bring newbiers since the wine is good, and the winery is picturesque with the bricks and ivy. We have also picniced there a few times.