Twas the maiden voyage this weekend of the newly acquired yacht, “Rope Yarn” and Captain Chris was gracious enough to take a party out into the Atlantic for a relaxing day of swimming and pleasure boating. Since we were planning a casual lunch on board we couldn’t think of any better wines to bring than the sentinel of sailing, Dry Creek Vineyard.
Preparations…….
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| Loading provisions….(why is the Gilligan theme in my head?) |
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| L to R: 2007 Cabernet, 2010 Fume Blanc, 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel |
Once embarked and out onto the Navasink river, we opened the 2010 Dry Creek Fume Blanc. Always refreshing, it paired nicely with celery and carrot sticks, green and red lentil salad and cambozola cheese. The typical bright citrus notes of this wine were paired with an intense peach aroma that was surprising and very lovely to smell. Always reliable, always delicious. 90 points, about $12.
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| 2010 Dry Creek Fume Blanc |
On the way up the Navesink River, we found a quiet spot, let go the anchor, and had lunch. Bread, cured meats, cambozola cheese, marinated grilled shrimp, thai glazed chicken and veggies all hit the mark with 2007 Dry Creek Old Vine Zinfandel. This is truly “Old Vine” Zinfandel as the vineyard guarantees that the vines which produce the fruit for this red are at least 85 years old. The intensity of the berries comes through in the wine beautifully. It’s dark purple, and the aromas are persistent with wild berries, licorice, spice, and lovely dusty minerals. Flavors followed the nose and the cheese really brought out the wild berry fruit in this wine. It’s a hallmark Zinfandel, no doubt, and at just about $22 is very affordable. 93 points and absolutely delicious.
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| The “Executive Officer” |
After a swim, the currents were very strong so a quick jump in to cool off was all that was really prudent, we made our way out of the river into the Upper New York Bay. It was nearing 5PM and time for some pre-dinner appetizers and the 2007 Dry Creek Sonoma Cabernet. I don’t think there is a Cabernet that provides the sort of complexity and flavor in this price range that this wine delivers. It’s a beautiful purple, it’s got dusty, plummy aromas and flavors, minerals, slight oak, and a touch of olive/herbs on the finish. Moderately tannic, balanced and delicious on it’s own and with the remainder of the cheese and chicken. 91 points, about $15. I somehow missed a picture of this in the glass, but just as further evidence that everyone enjoyed this wine….
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| Friday going after the DCV Cabernet! |
Finally, just before we turned to head in and make our way for dinner, I snapped this amazing shot of the Verazzano Bridge and the “Freedom Tower” under construction.
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| The Verazzano from Upper New York Bay |
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| Center: The tall “two-tone” building is the new Freedom Tower under constuction at Ground Zero. To the far right, the tallest spire is the Empire State Building |
It was a wonderful day. The next voyage to be July 4th, Fireworks on the Water!
John, you look like you are having tons of fun! 🙂
My guess is that wine tastes better on a boat with loved-ones!
Apropos wines too; I love Dry Creek labels, and if you have to look at a label, you might-as-well look at a work of art.
Dennis,
That's what I meant – knowing the DCV labels, it was a no brainer to bring those wines. Not to mention the fact that the entire line is pretty darn tasty. Then again, I defy someone to show me a wine (red or white) that doesn't taste great with Cambozola.
Even Friday liked the wines!