Founded in 1984, Doug Nalle created one of the first modern expressions of the Zinfandel grape in the Dry Creek Valley. Doug is an interesting personality, with set ideas about winemaking and classical ideas regarding how fine wines should taste.
     I had the chance to spend an evening discussing these themes with Doug outside his winery on his comfortable patio. He believes that wine should be food-friendly, represent the varietal's inherent characteristics, and express the specific terroir the grapes are grown from. To reach this goal, the grapes have to be harvested at the right time (particularly important in the warmer Californian weather), and the winemaking needs to be less interventionist.
     This winemaking style results in age-worthy wines that develop a complex bouquet with time. Doug does not believe in prolonged oak aging (less than one year), but will rack his wines more often to encourage the necessary oxidation. He is one of the rare winemakers who makes Zinfandel that can age for decades in the bottle. Doug's son Andrew helps with the winemaking, and his wife Lee manages the administrative tasks. If you want to taste traditional and classical Dry Creek Zins, Nalle Winery is the place to visit.

•    Zinfandel: Dark ruby hue with a purple rim; the nose shows intense blackberry/bilberry aromas and a classic, balanced palate with a refreshing acidity (so rare with today's Zinfandels!). An age-worthy Zinfandel from the heart of the Dry Creek Valley.

    Amenities:

• Free tasting Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  or by appointment, Sunday-Friday     

    Contact: Doug Nalle
    Address: 2383 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
    Tel: 707-433-1040
    Web site: www.nallewinery.com
    Open Saturdays, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
    Sunday-Friday, by appointment.