With over 60 wineries in Dry Creek Valley, you’ll have plenty to choose from during your next visit. Today, we put the spotlight on Talty Vineyards & Winery, a “Master of Zinfandel.”

About:

Owner and winemaker Michael Talty credits his father, William, for introducing him to what he dubs, “Zinfandel Country.” Although William Talty passed away before realizing his dream of opening a family winery, Michael and his family purchased a vineyard and named it after their beloved father to honor his memory.

Michael still looks to his father for inspiration, carefully handcrafting his wines in the way William would have wanted. The dry-farmed and head-pruned vines produce a very small crop that ensures the intensity and concentration of the fruit from the very start.

Featured Wines:

2011 Talty Dwight Family Vineyard Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley: The zinfandel from the smallest of Talty’s three vineyards is co-fermented with Petite Sirah, which results in a rich, complex wine. There’s cherry and black raspberry in the nose, while flavors of both big, juicy berries with hints of toasted cedar vanilla oak and dark chocolate appear on the palate. $30; buy it here. 93 Points (Snooth)

2010 Talty Estate Vineyard Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley: A four-day heatwave with temperatures upwards of 112 degrees made 2010 a very tough vintage which saw nearly 65% of the grapes destroyed. However, the resulting wine from the fruit that was left is extremely intense and complex, featuring soft, supple tannins and vibrant, balanced acidity. Buy it here. 93 Points (Snooth)

Visit:

The Tasting Room is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00pm, and by appointment Monday through Thursday by calling 707-433-8438.

Talty Vineyards & Winery

7127 Dry Creek Rd.

Healdsburg, CA 95448

E-mail: mtalty@taltyvineyards.com