Dakota Creek Winemaker Ken Peck Avoids the Sophomore Jinx

Ken Peck, owner/winemaker of Dakota Creek Winery in Blaine could have used all sorts of excuses for not turning out a decent set of current releases to match those in his stellar, first full year of operations. The sophomore jinx, bad lots of grapes…he might have even chalked up the first year to beginners luck.

But Peck’s 2006 vintages of his red wine varietals easily meet or exceed his 2005’s, and that means more of the same great news for Whatcom County residents who enjoy Dakota Creek wines.

For starters, the 2006 Merlot (about $20) is an incredible wine, with loads of dark berry flavors and a lengthy finish of caramel and toffee. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (about $20) is also a grand slam, with exquisite layers of cherry and plum followed by a soft finish that’s capped by a just trace of black pepper. Both wines should pair well with food but are equally enjoyable just for sipping.

For syrah lovers, Peck offers two choices. His 2006 Syrah (about $20) is big and intense, with generous dark fruit and blackberry flavors, touches of mocha around the edges and plenty of spice on the finish. The 2006 Jill’s Blend, named for and made by Peck’s wife, Jill, (about $24) is a blend of syrah, merlot, and cabernet that combine for a complex, dense wine that’s full of blueberry flavors and backed by nuances of pepper and spice. Because of the wine’s extremely limited production it’s offered only at the winery.

For white wine aficionados, the fantastic 2006 Pinot Gris (about $18) is still currently available and a 2007 Viognier will be ready for release later this year.

The tasting room is located at 3575 Haynie Road in Blaine, and is open most days from 1 to 5 pm. Dakota Creek wines are well distributed in the greater Bellingham area, and a list of restaurants and wine shops where they can be found is on the winery web site at www.dakotacreekwinery.com.