Dry Creek Mariner Red Meritage

Description

History; Beginning with the 2004 vintage, we proudly introduced an exciting new proprietary blend to our lineup of wines. We called this wine The Mariner because just as a mariner must navigate his ship, so too must a winemaker navigate his way through a vintage. This wine is the culmination of years spent working with different vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley, including our own estate DCV9 Endeavour vineyard property. The Mariner represents our vision to produce the finest Meritage wine from the Dry Creek Valley using the five noble Bordeaux varieties.Growing Season The 2010 vintage may go down as one of the more difficult, challenging vintages of the last decade. With varied growing conditions, it was incredibly important to stay on top of the vineyard, ensuring that the canopy was well managed. Late spring rains, a cool summer and then several heat spikes before and during harvest added to the challenge. However, our winemaking and vineyard team came through, bringing in fruit that achieved full ripeness, flavor and balance.Winemaker Comments The 2010 The Mariner is representative of the cooler vintage with moderate temperatures. Initial aromatics speak to those cool vintage characteristics with bright red fruits and dried flowers. After several minutes of aeration, the wine becomes much more intricate with dark cherry, cassis, toasty oak and hints of espresso. On the palate, the flavors are harmonious and supple, with blackberry and black tea combining with a fine toasty complexity. The tannins are smooth and round, lending excellent structure to this wine. The finish is long and lingering with a charming flavor profile that entices one for another sip.Fermentation Average 20 days in fermenters; pumped over twice daily.Barrel Ageing 18 months in French oak; 38% new oak. – Dry Creek Vineyard