HEALDSBURG, Calif. (June 3, 2025) – Dry Creek Vineyard proudly announces the release of SeaQuelle, a new Right Bank-style Meritage that showcases Merlot as the star of the blend. This refined and expressive wine is the latest evolution in the family-owned winery’s Bordeaux-inspired program, crafted from all five noble Bordeaux varieties and born from a deep commitment to quality, innovation and a sense of place.
SeaQuelle is more than a new wine, it is a tribute to the winery’s nautical roots and the next generation’s vision for pushing boundaries in blending and commitment to Bordeaux varietals in the Dry Creek Valley. With 63% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot, the precise composition of the blend is displayed prominently on the front label, an effort by the winery to be transparent about what goes into every bottle.
“We have always believed that Dry Creek Valley is ideally suited to produce Bordeaux varietal wines of exceptional quality,” said Kim Stare Wallace, President and Second-Generation Owner of Dry Creek Vineyard. “SeaQuelle is a testament to the power and elegance of Merlot and is our love letter to the varietal and to the art of blending. It’s a wine that honors tradition while embracing the future — a true expression of place, family and intention.”
Dry Creek Vineyard has been growing and producing Merlot since 1973. The winery was the first to release a wine using the classification of “Meritage” (with the 1985 vintage) on the label to classify Dry Creek Vineyard’s Bordeaux-style blend and among the first in California to adopt the practice of Bordeaux-style blending. The release of SeaQuelle builds on that pioneering spirit while highlighting a modern expression.
The 2021 vintage benefited from a moderate growing season and yielded fruit of exceptional quality despite lower volumes due to drought conditions. Aged for 17 months in French and Hungarian oak (31% new), SeaQuelle delivers layers of dark berry fruit, cocoa, violet and subtle spice, finishing with soft tannins and graceful structure.
SeaQuelle will be available nationally and at the winery beginning June 2025 with a suggested retail price of $55. The wine is a counterpart to the winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, The Mariner.
About Dry Creek Vineyard
Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces a portfolio of critically acclaimed wines that includes Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a collection of single-vineyard wines. The winery is open daily for tours and tastings.
