Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Old Vine Zinfandel 2018

($38):  Full disclosure: Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, which comprise 99 percent of the blend of this wine, are among my least favorite varieties because, when converted to wine, they often display power and little else.  So, imagine my surprise when I discovered how well Dry Creek Vineyard manages them.  To be sure, it a boisterous wine, but one that is not overdone or flamboyant.  It reminds of the classic Zinfandel of decades ago before they became overblown monsters.  This one has polish.  The briary, rambunctious flavors are kept in bounds.  Drink now with barbeque, lamb studded with garlic.  You can’t find a food that will overpower this wine.  Zinfandel haters, you will love it.
92 Michael Apstein Mar 9, 2021