Today we share one of the outstanding older producers of Sonoma County. Founded by a couple with historic roots in Sonoma, Karin and Justin Warnelius-Miller launched Garden Creek in 2001, deepening their legacy on the Alexander Valley property and crafting and bottling wine at their family estate, which was first planted in 1969 by Justin’s father, James Miller.
Justin’s father, James Miller, purchased the land that is now “Garden Creek” in 1963. He planted the first Vitis Vinifera on the 100-acre property in 1969, being one of the first in the region to put his roots in winegrowing. In 1995, at the age of 19, Justin took the reins from his father to manage the ranch and farm the land. Karin and Justin Warnelius-Miller launched Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery, in the original barn, to begin crafting and bottling wine at their family estate.
The new wines were outstanding, particularly their 2016 Garden Creek ‘Tesserae’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with other Bordeaux varietals blended in. This is beautifully evolved stuff right now. Learn more at https://www.gardencreekvineyards.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Garden Creek wines.
2016 Garden Creek ‘Tesserae’ Red Wine- This is a very late release of this 2016 Bordeaux-style wine that is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (83%) with the remainder Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It is marvelous right now in terms of balance. Ripe dark currants and black raspberry flavors mingle well with green herbs, coffee grounds and dark chocolate shavings. Drink 2024-2034- 93
2019 Garden Creek Chardonnay- Sourced from their Alexander Valley estate, the 2019 Garden Creek Chardonnay shows good poise with copious minerals alongside lime zest and crushed wet rock alongside baking spices, and buttered French bread on the palate. Drink 2024-2029- 91