I am a wine drinker, not a collector. But one of the first wineries I got to know when I started doing more wine related journalism 20 years ago was Dry Creek Vineyards in Sonoma County. Dave Stare started the winery in the 70's and his daughter Kim and her husband Don joined the business in the 90's. DCV's long time former marketing director had a Broad Ripple connection so on one of my early trips to Sonoma County to judge a wine competition, they invited me to pay a visit. That day turned into a long time friendship and sincere appreciation for DCV wines. They make a broad palate of wines, most to drink now but some that do become richer and deeper with time. I've held back a few of those gems and this is the year to open and share some of them. Recently I gathered a group of friends and neighbors to indulge in an eclectic array of wines including a few special DCV bottles. We weren't disappointed.

2006 Somers Ranch Zinfandel - the nose on this was enchanting. Ripe red currant, raspberry and roses, plus a hint of white pepper. Silky, smooth, rich and ripe with red fruit and exotic spice it was still very much alive after an extra 11 years of aging.

2007 Somers Ranch Zinfandel - Like the 2006, it also offered up an enticing nose of fruit and spice, but on the palate this one had a touch more toasty oak and spice than fruit. I love that the same vineyard can produce exceptional wines two years in a row but Mother Nature's upper hand made this bottle a bit softer and subtle.

2014 Old Vine Zinfandel - This bottle is still widely available and highly recommended for indulgent drinking now and will age to a throttled down version with another 8-10 years in your cellar. Big bold juicy plum, currant, black cherry with white peppery spice and pronounced toasty oak. Enjoy with bold cheeses, grilled burgers or tuna or spicy mole.