Sonoma County’s Peterson Winery: Beautiful expression of Dry Creek Valley Terroir
Owner and old-world-style winemaker Fred Peterson has been making wines in Sonoma County for over 30 years. Son Jamie joined Fred as a winemaker in 2002. They are devoted to sustainable farming, which leads to wines displaying a true sense of place. The Peterson approach is to capture the essence of vintage and vineyard—a philosophy they call Zero Manipulation. Fred’s 30 years of experience in the Sonoma County wine world shows through in the quality, skillful balance, and deliciousness of the wines crafted here in the Dry Creek Valley AVA.
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2020 3V White Blend, Dry Creek Valley: A perfumed aroma of florals wafts up at the first swirl of this refreshing blend of Vermentino, Vernaccia, and Verdelho. Wonderfully dry and ideally balanced, it displays crisp Bosc pears, honeydew melon, a twist of lemon, fresh nectarines, subtle herbs, and lemon-lime sorbet peeks through on the energetic finish. SRP: $28
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2019 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley: The beckoning spice-scented aromatic drives you into the glass. There you’ll find nicely ripened blackberries, a sprinkling of multicolored peppercorns, cherry licorice, and savory cranberry sauce filling the palate. Elegant and lively with a gratifying spicy finish you will not forget—more please! SRP: $36
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2020 Primitivo, Dry Creek Valley: Wild berries on the nose set the stage for a rich mouthfeel of deliciousness. Wrapped around a firm core of tannins and lovely acidity are layers of freshly picked huckleberries, olallieberries, black plums, well-managed oak, and savory spice elements that linger through the persistent finish. SRP: $28
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2018 Cuvee Ruse Red Wine, Dry Creek Valley: This succulent red blend, composed of 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah and 12% Carignan, struts forth with a fragrant, red-fruited aroma. Titillating the palate are fresh pic-ed raspberries, Black Elephant plums, blackberry jam and, spice box accents. Dense and rich while finely balanced, and the finish lingers beyond the final sip. SRP: $40
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2019 Malbec, Dry Creek Valley: Highly engaging with its expressive dark fruit aromatic, this Malbec hits all the right chords. Invigorating the palate are multilayers of black plum, blackberries, spiced blueberry sauce, earthiness, leather, and a pinch of crushed herbs. Firm tannins and balancing acidity, complement the juicy fruit, and fig jam peeks through on the lip-smacking finish. SRP: $40
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley: Here is a beautifully crafted wine led by 87% Cab Sauv, and contributing Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cab Franc. Aromas of earth and cassis rise from the glass. Engaging the palate are delectable layers of black currant, black plum, hints of earth, olallieberries, fresh leather, and barrel spice wrapping around a firm backbone of tannins. Good depth and purity through the lingering savory finish. SRP: $45
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2020 Merlot, Dry Creek Valley: The tantalizing aroma awakens the senses. Intense and flavorful on the palate as cocoa-dusted forest berries, spiced blueberry compote, a touch of graphite, underlying oak nuances, plum jam, and earthy elements meld in harmony. Smoothly textured with integrated tannins, a rich mouthfeel, and nice depth, it’s a Cab lover’s Merlot. SRP: $40
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2019 Carignan, Dry Creek Valley: This savvy wine, crafted of 75% Carignan and 25% Mourvedre, greets the nose with dark fruit and spice. Broad and lavish on the palate with notes of plum, olive tapenade, licorice drops, blackberries, and spice accents of nutmeg and cinnamon. The deep fruit is supported by well-structured tannins, and the finish is everlasting. SRP: $36
Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard 2016 Syrah, Dry Creek Valley: Dark fruit on the nose leads to a plush mouthful of blackberries, spice-dusted grilled meat, tinges of earth, black currants, and fresh ground peppercorns enlivening the palate. Velvety smooth with supple tannins and fine balance supporting the focused fruit, and the long-lasting finish is memorable. Luscious now and promises years of enjoyment ahead. SRP: $48
Bradford Mountain Vineyard 2019 Petit Verdot Dry Creek Valley: This extraordinary Petit Verdot, crafted of 75% Petit Verdot, 17% Cab Sauvignon, and 8% Malbec, opens with a lovely nose of violets. Dazzling layers of fresh sweet blueberries, a pinch of herbs, black currants, mocha, cranberry chutney, and well-integrated oak nuances flow seamlessly across the palate. Smoothly textured and well-balanced, it makes its way to a lip-smacking close. SRP: $40
2017 AgRariA Big Barn Red, Dry Creek Valley: This well-structured, complex Bordeaux-style blend composed of 78% Cab Franc, 11% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot really hits the mark, starting with the lovely aroma. Flavors of blackberries, Santa Rosa plums, barrel spice accents, graphite, blueberry cordial, freshly turned earth, black olive, and savory spice supported by firm tannins flow seamlessly across the palate. Intense while elegant, and the finish is long-lasting. Approachable now, and ageworthy if you have the patience to wait. SRP: $60
Peterson’s tasting room, located at 4791 Dry Creek Road, Building #7, Healdsburg, CA, is open for walk-ins Friday through Sunday 10 am to 3 pm, and by appointment Monday through Thursday. With their breadth of well-crafted wines, you’ll be sure to find choices to please any palate.