I thought I must have reviewed Dry Creek Vineyard wines before, but a search of our website proved me wrong. Imagine my thrill then of not only getting to sample their latest 2024 Chenin Blanc, a top seller, but also their new limited-production 2023 Sparkling Chenin Blanc that was just recently released. The new release also coincides with “A Sparkling Affair” to be held at the winery in Healdsburg next weekend, on October 4. (See below this post for the full press release on the event and more.)
For this wine review, I enlisted the help of fellow blogger Steve Roebuck (SR) for his tasting notes (I plied Steve and his wife Vashti with a great meal made by my husband Eddie) and my comments (EB) follow his:
2023 Sparkling Chenin Blanc ($50 SRP) méthode Champenoise
SR: Soft notes of apple, pear, marzipan, almonds, lemon, white flowers, white raspberries, Asian pear and lemon on the nose. The taste had kiss of river rocks and other minerals such as limestone, some flint on the finish as well as honeysuckle, and delicate poached pear. EB: Steve and I both noted lots of small bubbles when we first poured the wine. The color reminded me of elderflower liqueur (pale yellow), and was enhanced by notes of fresh fruit salad, peach, melon, lemon and lots of apple on the nose. Some of those notes carried through to the flavor including that fresh fruit salad that lingered on the back palate for the finish. Vashti said the wine was “kissed by grapes.”
2024 Dry Chenin Blanc (Approx. $20, based on the 2023 vintage. The 2024 was not on their website at press time.)
SR: Beautiful white flowers with a bit of lemon, cream, guava, peach, apple and pineapple. Soft notes of flint and other minerals. On the mouth there was great acidity with notes of apple, pineapple, guava, lychee, brine, beeswax, lime and lemon. EB: The wine was very aromatic – almost perfumy – and my nose was filled with Mandarin orange, melon, peach, and pear. The taste brought forward more fruit flavors including lemon-lime and pineapple.
Both couples enjoyed the wines. Eddie made chicken pot stickers and ponzu sauce for the pairing and we all enjoyed that as well too. Steve and I agreed that the wines could stand up to light fare such as a white fish, sushi, oysters, pastas in cream sauce, etc.
Link to Steve’s public Facebook post of our evening is here.
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Press Release
Dry Creek Vineyard Reinforces Chenin Blanc Leadership with New Sparkling Release
Celebrating 50+ Years of Chenin Blanc Excellence, a New Chapter Begins
HEALDSBURG, Calif. — Dry Creek Vineyard, the pioneering, family-owned winery from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, proudly announces a bold new chapter in its 50+ year Chenin Blanc legacy: the September release of a limited-production Sparkling Chenin Blanc.
This new release builds on more than five decades of leadership crafting Dry Chenin Blanc, a commitment that has made Dry Creek Vineyard the #1 Ultra Premium Chenin Blanc brand in the U.S., according to recent IRI/Circana data, as well as the top-selling Chenin Blanc on-premise, according to Somm.ai. Long before the current wave of enthusiasm for lower-alcohol, aromatic white wines, Dry Creek Vineyard has stayed true to a vibrant, refreshing and food-friendly expression of Chenin Blanc, setting a trend that is currently in the spotlight.
“For over 50 years, we’ve believed in the potential of this incredible varietal,” said Kim Stare Wallace, President and Second-Generation Owner of Dry Creek Vineyard. “Dry Chenin Blanc is not a trend for us, it’s a tradition. And we’re thrilled to see a new generation of wine lovers embracing it.”
Crafted from the Wilson Ranch vineyard in the Clarksburg AVA, Dry Creek Vineyard’s Dry Chenin Blanc has earned praise for its tropical fruit aromas, crisp acidity, and exceptional value at $20. The winery has been sourcing grapes from the Wilson Ranch for over 40 years as Dave Stare was early to discover the region as a premier source for Chenin Blanc. Now, the winery is expanding on that legacy with a méthode Champenoise Sparkling Chenin Blanc, a wine originally created for the winery’s 50th anniversary and now returning by popular demand. This wine is inspired by the Cremants of the Loire Valley, where Dave fell in love with Chenin Blanc.
Handcrafted and stainless steel-fermented, the 2023 Sparkling Chenin Blanc ($50 SRP) will begin shipping in September and will be officially released at a festive event at the winery:
A Sparkling Affair: Bubbles & Caviar
Saturday, October 4, 12–4 PM
Dry Creek Vineyard, Healdsburg, CA
Bask in the energy of the harvest season as you sample the return of our fan-favorite Sparkling Chenin Blanc. We’re pairing our bubbles with indulgent caviar by The Caviar Co. and seasonal bites from Camber, plus fall-inspired wines in our vineyard garden and a photo op with Claudine, our vintage Citroën van. $125 per person.
“The popularity of Sparkling wines is on the rise, and Chenin Blanc is definitely having its moment,” Kim Stare Wallace continued. “We’re proud to be leading both of those movements with wines that reflect our history, our passion, and our vision for the future.”
With the release of Sparkling Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Vineyard continues to define what’s next for one of the world’s most versatile, and now most celebrated, white wine grapes.
About Dry Creek Vineyard
Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. The winery is 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces a portfolio of critically acclaimed wines that includes Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a collection of single-vineyard wines. A recipient of the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 10 years running, the winery is open daily for tours and tastings.
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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
