This Dry Creek Valley Cab was opened after a tasty meal at Tea Tree Asian Bistro. I had enjoyed my new favorite dish, Dolsot Bibimbap. This is a spicy Korean dish served in a hot stone bowl with a raw egg and chili paste on top. Upon returning home, I was ready for a nice Cabernet and “chillaxing.” The Cabinator joined me for this bottle as both our wives were out of town. While the wine decanted we watched the Australian Open, trying to pick up tips to improve our tennis technique.
The wine labels from Dry Creek Vineyard have a nautical theme and, in fact, the name of this wine pays homage to Captain Cook’s namesake ship. The HMS Endeavour ranged the oceans in search of discovery and this night I discovered a truly impressive wine.
Endeavour is Dry Creek Valley’s effort to produce Cabernet Sauvignon that equals the finest of any in California. The Endeavour Vineyard is located in the Lytton Springs area of Dry Creek Valley.
In the decanter the wine glowed a raspberry red. We determined that the best way to enjoy Endeavour is in small sips allowing ample time to savor the cranberry and cherry flavors swirled with a slight dustiness.
The richness of the red fruit blended slickly into well integrated tannins. The blend of 91% Cab, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Merlot is medium bodied and elegant. It delivers in the glass the way Roger Federer puts away opponents on the court; with a winning combination of style and creativity.
This wine is aged for 26 months in 100% new French oak. The production was limited to 490 cases and it retails for about $65.
Endeavour is the crown jewel of Dry Creek Vineyard’s winemaking efforts.
Rating: 5 of 5 Value: 4.5 of 5
Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
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