Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner 2015 Front Bottle Shot
Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner 2015 Front Bottle Shot Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner 2015 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

The grapes for this delicious Bordeaux-inspired blend come from several of our most prized estate and hillside vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley. At first swirl, the wine displays aromas of black currant, bing cherry, and raspberry preserves. Several more minutes reveal hints of black pepper, cocoa powder, and forest floor. The palate has dark berry flavors along with earthy complexity and spiced plum. It finishes with notes of espresso, dried blueberry, dark chocolate, and toasty cedar. Good acidity will help this wine to age beautifully for years to come.

Blend: 71%Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 8%Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec

Professional Ratings

  • 92
    COMMENTARY: Some wineries talk a good game, Dry Creek Vineyard does what it has to do, and the 2015 Mariner Meritage Red Wine is an excellent effort. TASTING NOTES: This wine is dark, yet not overbearing. Its aromas and flavors of graphite, earth, and dust are classic. Pair it with a well-marbled ribeye and let the wine and food experience sail you away. (Tasted: August 7, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
Dry Creek Vineyard

Dry Creek Vineyard

View all products
Image for Bordeaux Blends content section
View all products

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.

Image for Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County, California content section

Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma County, California

View all products

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.

WWH155294_2015 Item# 533093