“We’re known in this valley for this wine,” says Dutcher Crossing proprietor Debra Mathy. “We have a cult following—Kerry does a great blend.” She’s referring to Kerry Damskey, winemaker for Dutcher Crossing and several other wineries, [see “Right Place, Right Time,” Special Wine Issue 2007].
“The Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes come from Lou Preston, who’s almost behind my house, across the creek. In my opinion, he grows the best Sauvignon Blanc in Dry Creek Valley—maybe California,” says Mathy.
It’s a little ironic that, a few years ago, Wisconsin native Mathy was looking for some winery property and happened to stop in for a tasting at Dutcher Crossing (named for its location, where Dutcher Creek and Dry Creek cross just behind the estate). At the time, the winery wasn’t for sale, but when she tasted the Sauvignon Blanc, it was the first thing she purchased. She says she laughed about this when we called about the award—and then she and her staff celebrated by drinking some.
Mathy joined as proprietor and managing partner in March 2007 and recently celebrated her first year as a Sonoma County resident. Prior to this, she was an educator in Arizona and Colorado. Now she says her biggest challenge is learning the farming part of the business. “I wear about 10 different hats,” she says. “I’m learning to know what’s needed—and when—so we’re not out of wine for too long. Then there’s the part where you think you know what you want to crush, but then Mother Nature gives you something else.”
The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc is an example of that. It has a different character than the 2006, in that it has more citrus elements (Rousanne wasn’t used in this blend). But, according to Damskey, it “still has the yummy factor.”
“It’s nice to hear people really enjoy the wine,” she says of the award. “They’re spreading the word, and the award is case in point that we’re doing our job.”
In the meantime, Mathy says she plans to expand the winery to 12,500 cases, while still maintaining the handcrafted quality. You’ll also likely see her at the winery’s beautiful tasting room (complete with picnic grounds and even the chance to step into the vineyards), because, she says, hospitality and meeting people is what she enjoys the most.
