Winemaker Notes
The Mariner is a powerful, yet elegant Meritage made in the tradition of some of the world’s greatest Bordeaux blends. We call this proprietary blend “The Mariner” because just as a mariner navigates his ship, so too must our winemaker navigate his way through a vintage. 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, black cherry and dried cranberry. Several more minutes reveal hints of white pepper, cumin, mocha and violet. The palate has dark berry flavors along with earthy complexity and savory tones. It finishes with notes of baking spices, dried herbs and vanilla. 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 2018 Dry Creek Vineyard Mariner Meritage Red is subtly layered, smooth, and elegant. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers generous aromas and flavors of black fruit, a touch of oak and earth. Enjoy with BBQ baby back ribs with an understated sauce. (Tasted: October 17, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a Bordeaux-style blend that leads with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 8% Malbec and smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Thick, juicy black fruit, oak and tannin give it a powerful and grippy core, finishing in rich hints of baking spice and vanilla.
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.