Dry Creek Vineyard’s The Mariner



By Kori ~ December 7th, 2011.

Dry Creek Vineyard, founded in 1972 by David Stare, is located in the heart of Dry Creek Valley just outside of Healdsburg, California. Today, Dry Creek Vineyard is run by David’s daughter Kim Stare Wallace and her husband Don. Well-known for their Fumé Blancs and Zinfandels, Dry Creek Vineyard also produces a number of other excellent wines including their signature Meritage red blend called The Mariner.

We recently had the opportunity to taste the 2007 vintage of The Mariner in a blind samples tasting. Each vintage they select the best lots to produce this classic Bordeaux-style blend. The 2007 vintage is a blend of all five Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Each variety spent more than nine months in French oak before being blended together and aged an additional twelve months in French oak.

We continue to be impressed by the quality wines being produced by Dry Creek Vineyard, and the people behind the winery are wonderful folks to boot. The Mariner is worth a try if you see it on the shelf at your local wine shop or on a restaurant wine list. And if you are visiting Sonoma County, I highly encourage you to visit Dry Creek Vineyard.

2007 Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner Meritage Red Blend (Dry Creek Valley, California): 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot. Deep, dark red in color. Aromatic with blackberry liqueur on the nose. Blackberry, chocolate, cocoa, and a hint of coffee comes through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and medium tannins. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $40; Available elsewhere, $25 to $40


Filed under: American Wine, California Wine, Red Wine, Wines Over $25

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