Reviews & Ratings

2004 Dry Creek Vineyard Red Blends or Varietals "The Mariner"

Winery: Dry Creek Vineyard

Vintage: 2004

Wine Name/Vineyard: "The Mariner"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc, & 3% Petit Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Dry Creek Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $40

Cases produced: 5,000

KWG Score: 89.5 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: December 1, 2007

Wine Review: This very dark purple wine opens with a very attractive black cherry bouquet with hints of dried cranberries. On the palate, this wine is really smooth, noticeably dry, and initially shows dusty black cherry flavors with hints of rhubarb and dark chocolate. The wine really opens up and becomes quite juicy with some air after several hours. The finish is initially really really dry, has noticeable fine tannins, and lingers for a bit. As a result of the wines current tightness, this wine could benefit from a couple for years in the cellar. However if you can’t resist this wine now, it would be fine with a steak after several hours of decanting. My score is Very Good but with time and air this wine could most likely achieve a higher score. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The Mariner exudes exotic aromas of wild cherry, blackberry, and dried roses. After several more minutes in the glass, additional dark fruit characters are revealed. This is a multidimensional wine that is both compelling and provocative. On the palate, the fruit is rich and succulent with bright cherry, dark chocolate, and cassis flavors that intermingle with seamless, well integrated tannins. The finish displays flavors that are harmonious and repeat the theme of balance and finesse–a wine that truly begs for another sip.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell .