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April 22, 2010,
Healdsburg, CA –
Introducing a new wine to an already flooded wine marketplace can be
difficult to say the least. In the fall of 2007, that was exactly the
challenge facing the family at Dry Creek Vineyard. |
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In the previous three decades in
business, founder David Stare had
built the winery into one of the
most well respected wineries in
California. However, when Dave
officially retired in 2006, handing
responsibility to his daughter, Kim
Stare Wallace, and son-in law, Don
Wallace, it became readily apparent
that a “statement” wine was needed
to establish a new legacy for the
second generation. This statement
became the Mariner. Crafted
from a series of hillside Dry Creek
Valley vineyards, the Mariner
was Don and Kim’s vision for the
winery going forward. Establishing
the Mariner as a legacy wine
set several key precedents at the
winery. First, the wine paid
homage to Dave’s long time advocacy
of blending the Bordeaux varieties
to achieve depth, richness, and
concentration. Secondly, the
Mariner focused squarely on
fruit sources from the Dry Creek
Valley, an important distinction for
the winery’s Bordeaux program and
desire to produce
appellation-specific wines. And
finally, the Mariner clearly
defined the winery in the national
marketplace – crafting a proprietary
blend that would rival the best
efforts from around the world.
Now, fast forward almost three years
and the question is – “has it been
successful?” In review, the answer
is a resounding yes. “We are
thrilled with how the wine has been
received,” comments Kim Stare
Wallace. “Admittedly, we had our
moments of trepidation – I equate
the process to marching one of your
children out on stage for the entire
world to see. You love that child
and want him, or her, to perform
well. You’re nervous and excited
all at the same time.” Kim’s
husband and winery President, Don
Wallace, put it a bit more
succinctly. “It’s damn scary, but
when you are surrounded by so many
talented people, it makes my job a
bit easier. Although, I’m not
saying I didn’t lose a few nights
sleep and added a few gray hairs.” |
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Distributor partners and members of the trade
have been supportive and complimentary from the
beginning. Scott Rankin, Vice President of
Sales for Wine Warehouse of Northern California,
indicated that the Mariner
has elevated Dry Creek Vineyard in the eyes of
their high profile customers. “Our AAA accounts
now recognize that Dry Creek can not only
produce a world class wine, but deliver it at a
price competitive with some of the more well
known wines in its category,” says Rankin.
“This wine should be the pride of any
restaurant’s red wine program and ultimately
their customers will be the beneficiary of
knowing their server or sommelier has
recommended an outstanding red wine from Dry
Creek that will only enhance their dining
experience.”
Debbie
Therrien, Vice President of Sales for Louis
Glunz Wines in
Chicago, says that the Mariner helps to
tell a story. “It’s not just any red table
wine. This is a wine the family has put their
heart and soul into. It tells a story that
translates to our customers. As a sales force,
the story is what helps us sell the wine.”
Matt Proschold, the winery’s Tasting Room
Manager, has seen his business grow with each
new vintage. “I have customers walking through
the door every day asking specifically to taste
the Mariner. That’s a compliment to the
entire team for putting an outstanding product
in the bottle, vintage after vintage.” |
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