Dry Creek Vineyard The Mariner 2016
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Wilfred
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Enthusiast
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
At first swirl, the wine displays aromas of black currant, black cherry and cranberry sauce. Several more minutes reveal hints of allspice, mocha, white pepper and nutmeg. The palate has dark berry flavors along with earthy complexity and spiced plum. It finishes with notes of fine leather, dried herbs and toasty cedar. Good acidity will help this wine to age beautifully for years to come.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Dry Creek Vineyard Mariner is an excellent effort that underscores the quality of Bordeaux grape varieties as grown in the Dry Creek Valley. TASTING NOTES: This wine is elegant, persistent, and bright. Pair its aromas and flavors of red fruits, savory spices, and earth with oven-baked chicken thighs in a wild mushroom sauce. (Tasted: October 23, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
This blends 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. Together, they provide a seamless, full-bodied experience of dark chocolate, crushed rock and crisp berry fruit. Oak and tannin remain well-behaved and integrated, with lasting hits of cinnamon and clove that mark the close.
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Established in 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. As the region’s first new winery following Prohibition, founder David Stare paved the way for a viticultural rebirth in this vibrant winegrowing appellation. Among other industry benchmarks, Dry Creek Vineyard is recognized as the first winery to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley, and was also the first to use the term “Meritage” with the 1985 vintage.
This premier, family-owned winery is now led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. The second generation is dedicated to all aspects of the business, from vine to shelf, with a goal to remain one of the last truly private, family-owned, iconic wineries consistently producing 90+ point wines.
Dry Creek Vineyard is firmly committed to a “No Compromises” philosophy, producing appellation-focused, terroir-driven, varietal-defining wines, including Heritage Vines Zinfandel, which was selected as a Wine Spectator “Top 100” Wine of 2019. Named one of the Top 100 wineries of 2015 by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections.
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.