Dry Creek The Mariner Meritage 2013

One of Dry Creek's Meritage bottlings, and it always seems to be my favorite of the lot. Like this vintage, they're always built in a way that enables early enjoyment, but if you're the patient sort, they will also age gracefully over the long term. Gorgeous black berry, black cherry, mild leaf and chocolate notes, and just a touch of dried herbs are all present in aroma and flavor, and are already nicely integrated. The tannin structure shows a touch of firmness at present, but a short decant will round it off just fine. A Platinum Award winner at the 2017 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition. Score - 95. (Rich Cook, winereviewonline.com, May 30, 2017)