Most wines that hit the market are ready to drink. Timing the opening of the ones that DO improve with age can be tricky. A former neighbor, one of the original Warfleigh Winos, was visiting a few weeks ago and I decided to see how the few bottles that I have been holding for improvement were tasting. Sonoma County's Dry Creek Vineyards makes a spectacular blend called The Mariner. It's done in the Bordeaux "meritage" style, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. These are big bold grapes that will get better with time if treated properly. Kind of like friendships. I decided to open the 2005 and 2009 as those coincided with the years many of us sampling the wines first became friends. The 2005 was loaded with dark black fruit flavors, a touch of cedar spice and a round smooth finish. The 2009 had similar notes of blackberry, plum, and black cherry. It had more of an earthy, rustic finish but still delicious. It was a wonderful evening of appreciating old friends, both in person and in the bottle. And we have the 2011 and 2013 bottles to open in another few years. Dry Creek offers up plenty of ready to drink reds for Fall-don't miss their Merlot, Old Vines Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon wines which are widely available. Note: As I write this many parts of Sonoma county and surrounding areas are burning. The fires are massive and heart breaking. Many of my wine friends and colleagues are losing homes and businesses. My volunteer firefighting friends there are working 24/7. The Fountain Grove neighborhood of Santa Rosa where I have stayed dozens of times, is gone. Crop wise 75% of the harvest is in but many late hanging red wine grapes are not. I've always loved the spirit, hard work ethic and down to earth quality of the people of Sonoma county. They are farmers who value the land and are always at the mercy of Mother Nature. This week even more so.