Dry Creek Valley may well be California’s undiscovered Cabernet country. Well known for our Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley actually has more acreage of Cabernet Sauvignon planted than any other varietal. A little known fact is that the Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Dry Creek Valley has contributed significantly to the blends of many well-known Cabernets from the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. In addition, the unique terroir of our region contributes greatly to the flavor profile of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Among the more distinctive aspects of the Dry Creek Valley appellation are:

• The Dry Creek Valley is among the best growing sites for producing quality Cabernet Sauvignon.  Most notable is the climate, which is moderately warm, semi-arid and provides a long growing season on well-drained and varied types of soil with low fertility.

• There is a textural difference to the Cabernet Sauvignon—the fruit is more focused and substantial without being overpowering.

• The wines tend to be balanced and refined—more Bordeaux-like in structure, body and complexity.

• The tannins tend to be substantial, promoting wines that are age worthy.

• The flavor profiles lean to the earthy, dusty side. Chocolate, cherries, blackberries and dried herbs (like rosemary and lavender) are among the more common flavors.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

Dry Creek Valley

Given the quality of Cabernet Sauvignon inherent in the valley, in 2002 we moved the bulk of our production of the Bordeaux varieties to the Dry Creek Valley appellation. The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon was our first with a Dry Creek Valley designation on the label. Along with the 2003 Dry Creek Valley Merlot, each wine represents a new area in our Bordeaux program. A delicious bouquet of flavors are evident including dark cherry, cassis and creamy nuances that make them immediately appealing. 

Both of these wines represent a new era in our Bordeaux program. Each shows off its varietal character and origins perfectly. These are rich, substantial wines that are also smooth and very food-friendly.

Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon

Dry Creek Valley

Not satisfied to rest on our laurels, we are constantly looking to improve. Starting with the 1997 vintage, we now craft a wine named Endeavour. It is the ultimate expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley. We combed the region for five years searching for a site that would deliver top notch Cabernet before finding the ideal, bowl-shaped parcel. The Endeavour vineyard, located in the Southeast corner of Dry Creek Valley, is perfectly suited to grow fine Cabernet. Soil composition, climate and vineyard development and management all play a key role in producing this exclusive wine. Endeavour Cabernet is quickly becoming a wine that will define us for generations to come.

Another wine near and dear to our hearts is Meritage, a wine with an exclusive designation for blended reserve-style wines comprised of the noble Bordeaux varietals.

 
The term, coined by the Meritage Alliance in 1988, comes from a combination of the words “merit” and “heritage.” “Merit” suggests that the wine is especially fine, providing top quality in the ultra-premium category. “Heritage” refers to the venerable Bordeaux tradition of blending complementary grapes to create gracefully balanced wines. We were a founding member of the association in 1988 and are recognized as the first to use the term on our 1985 vintage Meritage. Winery founder David  Stare has long advocated the advantages of traditional Bordeaux-style blending and was among California’s first vintners to plant Merlot and Cabernet Franc for blending. More recently, we have added Petit Verdot and Malbec to our vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. As further evidence of our commitment to the art of blending, we are proud to acknowledge that we have not made a Cabernet Sauvignon without the enhancement of these traditional blending grapes since our first vintage in 1972.

Beginning with the 2004 vintage, our family winery upped the ante again with a new proprietary blend called The Mariner.  

This delicious Bordeaux-style wine is the vision of the second generation of family ownership.   The Mariner is crafted from our finest hillside vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley.  Each lot is hand harvested and aged as separate components for 9 months in French oak.  Our winemaking team then carefully scrutinizes and tastes each component for flavor development and overall character.   Then, a blend is crafted using Cabernet and Merlot as a base with Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc used as the “seasoning to the soup.”   The final blend is put back into French oak for an additional 12 months of aging.  The finished wine is aged for at least 6 months prior to release. 

The Mariner is our premier Cuvée and our finest expression of Meritage from what is truly winemaker’s art.