How exciting! I received the golden ticket for the
2014 Piedra Creek Zinfandel
Upon opening, the color was a little lighter than expected but clear. Normal staining on the cork. There were scents of cherry. I didnât detect any spice which I would expect with a Zin. First taste revealed the same, but more of a tart cherry vs. sweet cherry. I took a sweet cherry out of the fridge for comparison and the wine was definitely tarter. Lots of fruit, perhaps berry. Very astringent. I didnât detect a lot of heat nor spice, but there was definitely an astringent quality with a dry finish.
My food choices were limited since I was waiting for UPS and didnât want to miss the delivery so dinner was a spicy black bean burger with cauliflower rice and marinara all mixed together in pasta-ish form. The wine was lovely with the burger solo. The astringency had mellowed. The marinara did it no favors. I continued to sip through the evening and around the two hour mark (give or take a bit), the astringency had fully dissipated. This was now enjoyable on its own. I had a spoonful of the marinara left so after a quick test, this was also a nice combo. The wine had mellowed and developed with air and time.
As the brown truck had brought me lots of goodies, one of them was the SH Mountain Selection from last week. Seeing as both were Zins, I popped this open for a quick comparison. The SH was immediately approachable with fruit and a clovey scent (is that a word?); similar to baking spices. The wine was well balanced. In comparison, the Piedra Creek took a little time to evolve after being opened for a for a few hours, but developed into a wine that filled the mouth with fruit after some time. I think the SH might be slightly âsweeterâ but my guess is the fruit is a little more forthcoming. The Piedra Creek definitely has a dry finish whereas the SH seemed to carry the full taste through to the end and the finish did not seem quite as dry; again maybe that âsweetnessâ prevailing. Just discussing what I believe were the differences without prejudice.
For reference, my preference is not Parker-style, but I can appreciate what has been created with the love and care of the wineries.
Left the bottle corked on the counter. This morning I took a small sip and the flavor profile was unchanged from the night before; still very nice and well rounded. I am not well versed on cellaring time so not sure how this will do over the next few years, but as a drink now, I recommend opening a few hours prior to serving and you will not be disappointed if you are a fruit forward Zin lover. At this price, it is a quite the deal.
Thank you Alice, WCC, and Piedra Creek.
Got this last time.
Polar vortex was mentioned (February).
It wasnât a huge hit (only 37 comments) but looking back at the responses after orders were received and tasted, it was very well liked.
Still a great price IMO.
A 7 & 9 year old Zinfandel, does the winery have an idea on cellar life, Those 90 year vines have to have an effect on longevity, Iâm just not sure to what extent.
@winecaseaholic I was wondering why now - old vintages for paso zins. I would think the older vines would be a good thing for longevity, though. Theoretically I think should be fewer, smaller berries lending to more tannin relative to the juice.
2012 Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandel, Benito Dusi Vineyard
Elegant layers of wild berry and raspberry make up this fruit-forward Zinfandel. Just the right hint of white pepper rounds out the experience, a balance that can only be provided from the famous Benito Dusi 90-year-old dry-farmed, head-pruned, ancient Zinfandel vines.
Benito Dusi is one of the most famous vineyards in Paso Robles. Here, the Zinfandel thrives with 90-year old vines. Actually, it is one of the oldest and most exclusive Zinfandel vineyards!
2014 Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandel, Benito Dusi Vineyard
Tasting Notes
This Benito Dusi Paso Robles Zinfandel is a vineyard designated, limited production wine. It is a vibrant, fruit-forward Zinfandel, boasting aromas of mocha, lively cherry, and smoky sage. Ripe black cherry jam flavors upon entry, with lively acidity and fruit-covered tannins in the mid-palate, are supported by a sweet oaky finish to round out the experience.
Review:
This is balanced Zinfandel. It is not high alcohol, overly extracted, or syrupy sweet. There is core fruit that is pure joy, Bing cherry, dried plum, fig, and a deft touch of oak and vanilla. The wine is perfect for BBQ or drinking on its own. This Zinfandel is the envy of many Zinfandel producers in CA.
Piedra Creek Winery is owned by a WWII veteran, Romeo Zuech, Italian by nationality, American by heart. Romeo was a successful and passionate aerospace engineer who made great contributions to NASA. Later, he transferred that passion to the wine business.
In 1983, Piedra Creek Winery began as a small winery in the Edna Valley of San Luis Obispo, California. Little by little, its small productions started gaining popularity thanks to a demanding work philosophy: Only the best fruit to make the best wines.
After 30 years of experience in the wine industry, years and years of hard work as a winemaker and vine grower, Romeo has achieved the growth and recognition of this estate. âDoesnât take a rocket scientist to make a great wine⊠but it certainly doesnât hurt.â Romeo says. He is passionate and obsessive about wine production starting in the vineyard followed by clean fermentations under a watchful eye until the wine is bottled.
Given their long-term relationships, Piedra Creek is one of only two commercial wine producers to have access to the Benito Dusi ancient vines.
Benito Dusi is one of the most famous vineyards in Paso Robles. Here, the Zinfandel thrives with 90-year old vines. Actually, it is one of the oldest and most exclusive Zinfandel vineyards!
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandels - $34 = 19.87%
How exciting! I received the golden ticket for the
2014 Piedra Creek Zinfandel
Upon opening, the color was a little lighter than expected but clear. Normal staining on the cork. There were scents of cherry. I didnât detect any spice which I would expect with a Zin. First taste revealed the same, but more of a tart cherry vs. sweet cherry. I took a sweet cherry out of the fridge for comparison and the wine was definitely tarter. Lots of fruit, perhaps berry. Very astringent. I didnât detect a lot of heat nor spice, but there was definitely an astringent quality with a dry finish.
My food choices were limited since I was waiting for UPS and didnât want to miss the delivery so dinner was a spicy black bean burger with cauliflower rice and marinara all mixed together in pasta-ish form. The wine was lovely with the burger solo. The astringency had mellowed. The marinara did it no favors. I continued to sip through the evening and around the two hour mark (give or take a bit), the astringency had fully dissipated. This was now enjoyable on its own. I had a spoonful of the marinara left so after a quick test, this was also a nice combo. The wine had mellowed and developed with air and time.
As the brown truck had brought me lots of goodies, one of them was the SH Mountain Selection from last week. Seeing as both were Zins, I popped this open for a quick comparison. The SH was immediately approachable with fruit and a clovey scent (is that a word?); similar to baking spices. The wine was well balanced. In comparison, the Piedra Creek took a little time to evolve after being opened for a for a few hours, but developed into a wine that filled the mouth with fruit after some time. I think the SH might be slightly âsweeterâ but my guess is the fruit is a little more forthcoming. The Piedra Creek definitely has a dry finish whereas the SH seemed to carry the full taste through to the end and the finish did not seem quite as dry; again maybe that âsweetnessâ prevailing. Just discussing what I believe were the differences without prejudice.
For reference, my preference is not Parker-style, but I can appreciate what has been created with the love and care of the wineries.
Left the bottle corked on the counter. This morning I took a small sip and the flavor profile was unchanged from the night before; still very nice and well rounded. I am not well versed on cellaring time so not sure how this will do over the next few years, but as a drink now, I recommend opening a few hours prior to serving and you will not be disappointed if you are a fruit forward Zin lover. At this price, it is a quite the deal.
Thank you Alice, WCC, and Piedra Creek.
@chefjess thank you for the report - have a nice weekend.
Got this last time.
Polar vortex was mentioned (February).
It wasnât a huge hit (only 37 comments) but looking back at the responses after orders were received and tasted, it was very well liked.
Still a great price IMO.
A 7 & 9 year old Zinfandel, does the winery have an idea on cellar life, Those 90 year vines have to have an effect on longevity, Iâm just not sure to what extent.
@winecaseaholic I was wondering why now - old vintages for paso zins. I would think the older vines would be a good thing for longevity, though. Theoretically I think should be fewer, smaller berries lending to more tannin relative to the juice.
Here is that previous offer, which was the 2014 and 2015:
https://casemates.com/forum/topics/piedra-creek-winery-zinfandel
2012 Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandel, Benito Dusi Vineyard
Specs
2014 Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandel, Benito Dusi Vineyard
Tasting Notes
Review:
Specs
Food Pairing
Whatâs Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $444/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, Jul 15 - Monday, Jul 19
Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandels
4 bottles for $56.99 $14.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $136.99 $11.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2012 Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandel, Benito Dusi Vineyard
2014 Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandel, Benito Dusi Vineyard
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Piedra Creek Winery Zinfandels - $34 = 19.87%
This is the best zin I tried for a while. Strange it didnât sell out already.! Got my case, go for it guys : you wonât regret it!
@salpo Would have liked to have rat report on 2012. How was 2014 vs 2015 (which seemed to get rave reviews last time)?
/giphy voluntary-abstracted-prison
@kitkat34 3rd try to get this one. The rest were boring as well.
Because you can never have enough cheap (-ish) Zin âŠ
/giphy trusting-irate-muscle
@Foobarski Now I really want to teach my dog to do a trust fall. Iâm skeptical.