There’s a lot of great Zinfandel being made in the Dry Creek Valley, but I’d argue some of the best best uses fruit sourced from Maple Vineyard.  For a perfect example of this excellence, look no further than Dutcher Crossing Winery and its 2006 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel.

Even hard-to-impress members of the Healdsburg wine community agree this is a standout wine.  It’s deep (nearly black) purple in the glass with a huge nose of dark fruit, spice, a bit of smoke and great intensity on the palate.  The hint of smoke sticks around alongside very smooth tannins on the finish.

The Dutcher Crossing 2006 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel pairs brilliantly with a herb crusted rib roast or smoked pork loin.  The 2007 was just released and I received a couple bottles last week, so check back for first impressions.  I’m excited to crack that bottle (if you couldn’t tell).

The view from Dutcher Crossing's tasting room