We wrap up our exploration of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley with Mazzocco Winery.  Their main focus is the area’s signature grape, Zinfandel, which they produce in a number of single vineyard bottlings.  Tasting through them is a fantastic means to travel throughout the valley via your palate.

 

Mazzocco 2014 Beasley Zinfandel

Grape(s): 95% Zinfandel & 5% Petite Sirah

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

A nose that’s reminiscent of blackberries, boysenberries, and cherries with accents of pepper and mocha rises up from a glass. Supple tannins carry flavors of bramble fruit and cherry that flow into notes of herbs, spice, and mocha on the palate. Good balance in this wine and a nice fruit core; pair it a juicy cheeseburger fresh from the grill. 515 cases produced.

Rating: 89

 

Mazzocco 2014 Verano Zinfandel

Grape(s): 97% Zinfandel & 3% Petite Sirah

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

Raspberries, blackberries, plums, and herbs jump from a glass. That ripe berry fruit returns on the palate, leading to a finish of dark chocolate, clove, and fresh herbs. There’s ample fruit here, coming in rich layers. Fans of lush, supple Zins will find much to like. 750 cases were made.

Rating: 90

Mazzocco 2014 Smith Orchard Reserve Zinfandel

Grape(s): 97% Zinfandel & 3% Petite Sirah

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 50-55

Tasting Notes:

An array of blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries melds with suggestions of rose petal, clove and dark chocolate on the nose. Polished tannins fame bright berry flavors on the palate, with some lovely complicating elements of dark chocolate, sweet spice, and spring flowers. Lively fruit, good depth, and a touch of minerals make this a very food friendly wine. Open of bottle with succulent short-ribs.

Rating: 91

Mazzocco 2014 Briar Zinfandel

Grape(s): 94% Zinfandel & 6% Petite Sirah

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price:

Tasting Notes:

There’s plenty of fruit on the nose, with black cherry, blackberry, and plums entering the mix. Supple tannins lift luscious fruit flavors of cherries, boysenberries, and plums that meander into hints of minerals, spice, and vanilla after a sip. The fruit has a jammy, elegant quality to it that works nicely with the earthy and spicy nuances. A nice wine.

Rating: 90