2021 Meritage "Benchland" From Dry Creek Vineyard/ 2019 Meritage "Alluvial Gap"/ 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon "Iron Slopes" From Dry Creek Vineyard

This delicious blend features fruit from specific vineyard sites in Dry Creek Valley that highlight the unique soils, microclimate and terroir of our home appellation.There are three wines we will open today.This first one is the Meritage Benchland 2021. Winemaker Notes: Since our founding in 1972, we have advocated for the artful blending of the Bordeaux varieties to achieve balance, finesse, and character in our red wines. Meritage is the name given to an American Bordeaux-style blend, combining the “merit” of the grape with the “heritage” of the blending tradition. This 2021 vintage is a rich and complex wine that’s an absolute pleasure to drink. Aromas of black cherry, plum and blackberry waft from the glass. As the wine opens up, it reveals aromas of vanilla, mocha and cedar. On the palate, the wine is structured with chewy tannins and full of spicy nuances of white pepper, nutmeg and cardamom. The finish is seamless and well-integrated. This wine will age beautifully and develop in the bottle for years to come. We will also open2019 Meritage "Alluvial Gap"!! Winemaker Notes: This exquisite Meritage was inspired by our decades of working with Bordeaux varietals planted in the different districts and vineyards of Dry Creek Valley. Five decades of experience have provided the knowledge of which properties can provide the best fruit our region can offer. This delicious blend features fruit from specific vineyard sites within the Lytton Springs district of Dry Creek Valley, including our iconic Endeavour Vineyard. The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, with three additional Bordeaux varietals for complexity and depth. At first swirl, the wine displays powerful aromas of black currant, plum and blueberry. Several more minutes reveal hints of black and white pepper, fennel and rose petal. The palate is full and rich with flavors of black cherry and blackberry, with notes of coriander, thyme and fine leather. The tannins are fine yet firm, with a round, plush texture and a rich, lingering finish. This 2019 wine is very special and will age for many years! But we are not done yet! Let's open 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon "Iron Slopes"!! Winemaker Notes: This high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon was inspired by our decades of working with Bordeaux varietals planted in the different districts and vineyards within Dry Creek Valley. This exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon showcases some of the more extreme growing sites that lie on the western hillsides of Dry Creek Valley. The undulating nature of the terrain provides grapes that are beautifully ripened and lead to a wine that is silky, textured and complex. Juicy aromas of plum and blueberry come forward initially. Additional airing reveals notes of cedar, cinnamon, thyme and coriander. The palate is bold and luxurious with luscious yet earthy flavors of black cherry, fine leather, mocha and white truffle. The finish lingers with notes of white pepper, caramel and oregano. Chewy tannins frame this full-bodied and rich expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. We should order a few dishes and find out which of these great wines is our favorite....TODAY! Enjoy and make a point of visiting Healdsburg and Dry Creek Vineyard! Cheers!