Dry Creek Valley may well be California’s undiscovered Cabernet country. Well known for its 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 here has contributed significantly to the blends of many well known Cabernets from the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. In addition, the unique terroir of Dry Creek Valley contributes greatly to the flavor profile of Cabernet Sauvignon.

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

• It's 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 profile leans 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, we have moved our entire production of Bordeaux varietals to the Dry Creek Valley appellation, to take advantage of the Bordelais characteristics of our home region.

The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon was our first with a Dry Creek appellation on the label. Fruity, full-bodied, and exceptionally round, our Cabernet has a wonderful bouquet of blackberries, plums and currants -- trademarks of Dry Creek Valley Cabernet. From the following vintage, our 2003 Merlot (and the 2003 Meritage) bore the Dry Creek Valley designation. Both Cabernet and Merlot benefit from the valley's diverse microclimates. Cabernet thrives on the hillsides, with their shallow, gravelly soils and sunny exposures. Merlot does well on richer soils on the valley floor.

Both 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.

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 Association 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 one of 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 portfolio.  Our Meritage is an assembly of our best vineyards for each varietal, blended for both complexity and finesse.

Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon

Dry Creek Valley

Not satisfied to rest on our laurels, we are constantly looking to improve. The result of these efforts is Endeavour, the ultimate expression of Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  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.