{"title":"Collier Falls","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"collier-falls-zinfandel-estate-dry-creek","title":"Collier Falls Zinfandel Estate Dry Creek","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollier Falls Zinfandel Estate Dry Creek\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bold, estate-grown Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel bottled at approximately 14.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from steep hillside vineyards above 1,000 feet in Sonoma County, this wine earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast for its 2014 vintage, underscoring the consistent quality of fruit grown at this distinctive site.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~14.9%  |  Origin: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California  |  Varietal: 92% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah  |  Winery: Collier Falls (vinified by Bella Winery)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollier Falls farms 20 acres in the northwest corner of Dry Creek Valley at elevations exceeding 1,000 feet. The steep terrain of rocky, clay soil sits above the fog line, producing mountain fruit with pronounced color, character, and intensity that valley-floor vineyards rarely achieve. Winemaker Joe Healy of Bella Winery vinifies the estate fruit and ages it in American oak barrels — roughly one-third new — allowing the oak to frame rather than overwhelm the wine's natural concentration. The small addition of Petite Sirah (around 8% in recent vintages) contributes structural depth and inky color to the blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with brooding dark fruit — black cherry, blueberry, wild raspberry — layered with vanilla and cola. Deeper inhalation reveals baking spice, a hint of licorice, and subtle leather tones that point toward the wine's mountain origins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate enters with ripe blackberry and black raspberry, presenting the classic lively fruit profile Dry Creek Valley is known for. Mid-palate, the Petite Sirah component makes its presence felt through firm tannins and concentrated richness, while sarsaparilla and soft vanilla thread through the structure. The body is medium to full, with enough acidity to keep the wine's considerable ripeness in balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish stretches long, with lingering impressions of dark fruit, gentle spice, and a silky, plush texture. Faint notes of black olive and toasted oak emerge as the wine fades, rewarding patience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Collier Falls Zinfandel\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Zinfandel shows its full complexity at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — served in a large-bowled red wine glass. Decanting for 30 minutes softens the tannins and opens the aromatic range considerably. For cocktail-adjacent applications, it works beautifully in a \u003cstrong\u003ered wine sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e where the dark fruit and spice carry through citrus and brandy; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) that plays off the wine's natural cola notes; or a \u003cstrong\u003emulled wine\u003c\/strong\u003e preparation where the baking spice and berry concentration stand up to warming spices.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing to a backyard barbecue where grilled meats are on the menu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Zinfandel lover who appreciates small-production Sonoma wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a vertical collection of Dry Creek Valley estate reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing at a dinner party alongside rustic Italian or American comfort cuisine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Collier Falls Zinfandel taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a core of dark berries — black cherry, blueberry, wild raspberry — supported by vanilla, baking spice, sarsaparilla, and a faint licorice undertone. The texture is plush with firm tannins and a long, silky finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Collier Falls Zinfandel compare to Dashe Cellars Reserve Zinfandel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are well-regarded Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels that have appeared in the same Wine Enthusiast reviews with comparable scores — Dashe Reserve at 91 points and Collier Falls at 90 points for their respective vintages. Collier Falls distinguishes itself through its high-elevation, above-the-fog-line vineyard site, which tends to produce a more concentrated, mountain-fruit character compared to Dashe's valley-oriented approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Collier Falls Zinfandel good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balanced structure, layered aromatics, and silky tannins make it well-suited for sipping on its own, especially after a brief decant to let the complexity unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Collier Falls Zinfandel made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Collier Falls is an estate vineyard located in the northwest corner of Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, at elevations exceeding 1,000 feet. The grapes are vinified by winemaker Joe Healy at Bella Winery, also in Dry Creek Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Collier Falls Zinfandel?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's smoky, dark-fruit intensity. Slow-smoked brisket or pulled pork matches the richness and spice notes. Hard aged cheeses like aged cheddar or Manchego echo the wine's firm tannin structure. Mushroom risotto plays off the earthy undertones, while dark chocolate desserts mirror the concentrated berry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Collier Falls Zinfandel come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Collier Falls Estate Zinfandel is available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Collier Falls Zinfandel worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Collier Falls positions as a small-production, estate-grown Zinfandel in a competitive Dry Creek Valley field, placing it in the mid-premium tier. With consistent critical recognition — including 90 points from Wine Enthusiast — it represents strong value for drinkers seeking site-specific, hillside Zinfandel without ultra-premium pricing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Collier Falls Zinfandel?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel field is altitude. At over 1,000 feet, above the fog line, these steep rocky-clay hillside vineyards produce fruit with a concentration and color intensity that low-elevation sites cannot replicate. The collaboration between Collier Falls' estate-grown grapes and Joe Healy's restrained winemaking at Bella Winery yields a Zinfandel that earns its critical praise honestly — through site, not manipulation. For anyone serious about understanding what Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel can achieve when the vineyard does the heavy lifting, this estate bottling makes a compelling case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collier Falls","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837792022697,"sku":"29178","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Collier-Falls-Zinfandel-Estate-Dry-Creek__88830.jpg?v=1730494581"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/collier-falls.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}