Winemaker Notes
The 2018 vintage is a full and complex wine that's an absolute pleasure to drink. Aromas of black and Bing cherries, white pepper, and sage waft from the glass. As the wine opens up, it reveals aromas of marzipan, bay leaf, and plum. On the palate, the wine is plush with soft tannins and full of luxuriant flavors of black currant, cardamom, sea salt caramel, and dried herbs. The finish is seamless and well-integrated. This wine will age beautifully and develop in the bottle for years to come.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage Red Wine brings an excellent experience on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers expressive aromas and flavors of black fruit and oak. Enjoy its rewarding persistence with a juicy, grilled ribeye topped with diced shallots. (Tasted: December 14, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.