{"title":"Dreaming Tree","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"dreaming-tree-crush-red-blend","title":"Dreaming Tree Crush Red Blend","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDreaming Tree Crush Red Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml California red blend from North Coast at 13.5% ABV, built from Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Tannat aged 17 months in oak. The 2021 vintage earned 91 points from The Tasting Panel Magazine and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, underscoring its consistency as a serious over-performer in its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: North Coast, California  |  Style: Multi-Varietal Red Blend  |  Winemaker: Sean McKenzie in collaboration with Dave Matthews\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDreaming Tree is a collaboration between musician Dave Matthews and veteran winemaker Sean McKenzie. The Crush expression blends four grape varieties — Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Tannat — all sourced from North Coast vineyards in California. The wines are periodically racked during barrel aging to clarify the juice and develop a smooth tannin structure; after approximately 16–17 months in oak, the individual varieties are blended to create the final cuvée. The project also carries a notable sustainability commitment: bottles weigh 50% less than the industry average, labels use recycled paper, and corks are sustainably grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe raspberry and black cherry lead the nose, followed by layers of plum, caramel oak, and cedar. Subtle baking spice and a wisp of smoke emerge as the wine opens up in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with raspberry jam and dark cherry flooding the palate. Mid-palate, a pop of cranberry brightens the blend, while soft vanilla and toasted oak add depth. Supple, well-integrated tannins give the wine structure without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and soft, trailing off with mixed berry sweetness and a gentle spice note. The tannins remain smooth through the close, leaving a clean, satisfying impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Crush Red Blend\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis blend rewards a slight chill — around 60–65°F — and drinks well straight from the glass with no decanting required. Its ripe fruit and approachable tannins also make it a versatile cocktail and sangria component.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Sangria:\u003c\/strong\u003e The jammy berry profile holds up beautifully against citrus and stone fruit additions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its natural sweetness and smooth body balance the bitter edge of cola in this classic Spanish serve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm spice notes already present in the blend harmonize with cinnamon, clove, and orange peel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners when you want something flavorful but unfussy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard barbecues and casual outdoor gatherings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing red wine to friends who prefer lighter, fruit-driven styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to Dave Matthews Band fans who also appreciate good wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Crush Red Blend taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers jammy raspberry and dark cherry flavors with soft vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of cranberry brightness, all supported by smooth, supple tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Crush Red Blend compare to Bogle Essential Red?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are California red blends at similar price points, but Crush leans more fruit-forward with its Petite Sirah and Tannat components adding darker berry intensity. Bogle Essential Red tends toward a slightly spicier, Zinfandel-driven profile with a bit more pepper on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Crush Red Blend good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its approachable fruit character, low tannin grip, and smooth finish make it one of the more accessible California red blends for newer wine drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Crush Red Blend made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced from grapes grown in the North Coast region of California, a broad appellation encompassing premium growing areas north of San Francisco including parts of Sonoma and Mendocino counties.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Crush Red Blend?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled burgers benefit from the wine's smoky berry notes. Pepperoni or sausage pizza mirrors its spice and fruit. Slow-cooked pulled pork matches its soft tannins and vanilla undertones. Aged cheddar amplifies the caramel oak character. Dark chocolate brownies echo the wine's jammy richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Crush Red Blend come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dreaming Tree Crush Red Blend is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Crush Red Blend worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Positioned as an everyday-premium red blend, it consistently scores 89–91 points from respected publications, which places it well above average for its value tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Crush Red Blend?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo scores of 90-plus points from The Tasting Panel Magazine and Wine Enthusiast put this blend in rare company for its price category. The four-grape formula — anchored by Merlot's softness, energized by Petite Sirah's color and structure, brightened by Zinfandel's fruit, and deepened by Tannat's tannin backbone — creates a blend with more complexity than most competitors at this level. Seventeen months in oak is generous aging for a wine in this segment, and the periodic racking during that time contributes directly to its notably smooth texture. The sustainability-driven packaging is a genuine differentiator, not a marketing afterthought, making it a thoughtful choice for environmentally conscious drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dreaming Tree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837456478377,"sku":"23730","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/DreamingTreeCrushRedBlend.webp?v=1748988498"},{"product_id":"dreaming-tree-chardonnay","title":"Dreaming Tree Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDreaming Tree Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Chardonnay from California's Central Coast, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Born from a collaboration between musician Dave Matthews and winemaker Sean McKenzie, this expression earned 87 points from Tastings.com on its 2020 vintage, reflecting a balanced approach that splits aging between oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Central Coast, California  |  100% Chardonnay  |  Winery: Dreaming Tree Wines, Geyserville, CA\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDreaming Tree Wines operates out of Geyserville, California, with Dave Matthews and winemaker Sean McKenzie at the helm. The Chardonnay grapes are carefully harvested at night and in the early morning hours—a practice that preserves acidity and aromatics by avoiding the heat of the day. After pressing, the wine ages for eight months in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, a dual approach that retains bright fruit character while layering in subtle toasted complexity. This split-vessel aging distinguishes the wine from heavily oaked California Chardonnays, landing it squarely in the modern, balanced camp.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden straw in the glass, the nose opens with fresh pear and white peach. Beneath the fruit, gentle notes of toasted almond and a whisper of baking spice emerge as the wine opens up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is crisp and bright, led by ripe apple and lemon citrus. At mid-palate, nectarine and baked apple flavors expand into a medium-bodied texture, with marshmallow-like creaminess arriving alongside measured toasted oak. The overall impression is rich yet elegant, never tipping into heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a clean, citrus-tinged fade. Lingering spice and a faint nuttiness anchor the close without bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Dreaming Tree Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe chilled to around 50–55°F to let the fruit and oak elements express themselves fully. This Chardonnay drinks well on its own but also has the structure for food-friendly cocktails and wine-based drinks. A \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e works naturally here, where the crisp acidity holds up against soda water and a citrus twist. A \u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e loaded with sliced peaches and pears amplifies the wine's core fruit. For something simpler, a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e substituting this Chardonnay for Champagne introduces a richer, rounder take on the classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners featuring roast chicken or pasta in cream sauce\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine drinker who appreciates balanced, not overly oaked Chardonnay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutdoor gatherings where a crowd-friendly California white is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone who typically avoids Chardonnay to a lighter-handed oak style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Dreaming Tree Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with fresh pear, white peach, and apple, followed by toasted almond and gentle oak spice on a medium-bodied, crisp palate. The overall profile is fruit-forward but restrained, avoiding the heavy butteriness of some California Chardonnays.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Dreaming Tree Chardonnay compare to Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are widely available California Chardonnays at an accessible price tier, but Dreaming Tree's eight-month aging in a mix of oak and stainless steel delivers a leaner, crisper profile. Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve tends toward riper tropical fruit and more pronounced vanilla oak character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Dreaming Tree Chardonnay good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its balance of bright fruit acidity and moderate oak richness makes it an easy standalone pour, especially when served well chilled. It does not require food to feel complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Dreaming Tree Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e The grapes are sourced from California's Central Coast, and the wine is produced through Dreaming Tree Wines, which is based in Geyserville, Sonoma County, California. Winemaker Sean McKenzie oversees production in collaboration with Dave Matthews.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Dreaming Tree Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roast chicken benefits from the wine's oak-kissed body and acidity. Grilled shrimp or lobster matches its peach and citrus notes. Pasta with alfredo sauce mirrors the creamy mid-palate. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese echoes the nutty, toasty undertones. A simple green apple and walnut salad complements the wine's fruit and almond aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Dreaming Tree Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dreaming Tree Chardonnay is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Dreaming Tree Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an entry-level to mid-range California Chardonnay, and its night-harvested grapes and dual oak-and-steel aging offer a level of winemaking intention that punches above many bottles in the same tier. The 87-point score from Tastings.com supports its standing as a solid everyday pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Dreaming Tree Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe night and early-morning harvest is the detail that sets this wine apart from many competitors at its price level—a labor-intensive choice that preserves delicate aromatics and natural acidity that hot-afternoon picks simply cannot retain. The eight-month split aging between oak barrels and stainless steel tanks gives winemaker Sean McKenzie a dual lever to balance richness and freshness, resulting in a Chardonnay that appeals to both oak fans and those who prefer a cleaner style. Its 87-point rating from Tastings.com confirms that the approach delivers. For drinkers searching for a California Chardonnay that avoids extremes—neither aggressively oaky nor stripped down to austerity—this Central Coast bottling consistently finds the middle ground.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dreaming Tree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837516378281,"sku":"23731","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/DreamingTreeChardonnay.webp?v=1748988384"},{"product_id":"dreaming-tree-cabernet-sauvignon","title":"Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/strong\u003e is a North Coast California red wine blended with Merlot, bottled at 13.5–14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Born from a collaboration between musician Dave Matthews and winemaker Sean McKenzie, this Cabernet earned a Platinum Award at the 2020 Sommelier Challenge International Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Competition and holds an 89-point aggregate on Wine-Searcher for its 2021 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5–14%  |  Origin: North Coast, California  |  Style: Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot  |  Producer: The Dreaming Tree\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Dreaming Tree was founded as a partnership between Dave Matthews and veteran winemaker Sean McKenzie, drawing fruit from vineyards across Sonoma County and Mendocino in California's North Coast. The Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with a portion of Merlot to round out the mid-palate, a common Bordeaux-inspired approach that adds softness to the wine's tannic structure. Beyond what's in the glass, the brand distinguishes itself through sustainability commitments: its bottles weigh roughly 50% less than the industry standard, and eco-friendly label materials are used throughout packaging to minimize the wine's carbon footprint.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black cherry and blackberry lead the nose, followed by layers of toasted caramel and dark chocolate. Subtle cedar and tobacco notes emerge as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is fruit-forward with ripe blackberry and plum, transitioning to a mid-palate of Tahitian vanilla cream, clove, and allspice. Deeper into each sip, flavors of orange-tinged dark chocolate and coffee develop alongside herbal undertones, carried by silky, well-integrated tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with lingering impressions of crème fraîche, black currant, and a whisper of toasted oak. The tannins remain smooth through the close, leaving a clean, fruit-anchored farewell.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Dreaming Tree Cabernet\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis North Coast Cab drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with no decanting required, though 20–30 minutes of air time deepens its chocolate and spice layers. It also holds its own in wine-forward cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with dark stone fruit and cinnamon plays directly into its blackberry and allspice character. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola over ice) works surprisingly well here, the coffee and chocolate notes bridging the two liquids naturally. For a more refined mix, a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e — layered atop a whiskey sour — lets the wine's dark fruit and vanilla cream float complement the citrus base below.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners where you want a reliable, fruit-driven California Cab without deliberation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to environmentally conscious wine drinkers who appreciate sustainable packaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCasual backyard grilling sessions with red meat, burgers, or smoked sausage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon at an approachable entry point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Dreaming Tree Cabernet taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with ripe blackberry and plum, layered with dark chocolate, coffee, and warm baking spices like clove and allspice. Silky tannins and a touch of vanilla cream give it a smooth, medium-bodied character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Dreaming Tree Cabernet compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are widely available California Cabernets at a similar price tier, but Dreaming Tree sources specifically from North Coast vineyards in Sonoma County and Mendocino, while Josh Cellars draws from a broader California appellation. Dreaming Tree tends to show more pronounced spice and chocolate complexity, whereas Josh Cellars leans toward softer, darker fruit with oak influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Dreaming Tree Cabernet good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balanced tannins and layered fruit-to-spice profile make it very approachable on its own, especially with a slight chill and a few minutes of air. No decanter is strictly necessary, though one does open up additional nuance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Dreaming Tree Cabernet made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced in California's North Coast AVA, with grapes sourced from vineyards in Sonoma County and Mendocino. The wine is made by winemaker Sean McKenzie under The Dreaming Tree label.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Dreaming Tree Cabernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak complements its dark fruit and tannin structure. Aged cheddar or Gouda mirrors the wine's caramel and vanilla undertones. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa and coffee notes on the mid-palate. Herb-crusted lamb chops align with its subtle herbal character. Mushroom risotto provides an earthy counterpoint to the ripe berry flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Dreaming Tree Cabernet come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Dreaming Tree Cabernet worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an entry-level to mid-range California Cabernet, and its Platinum award from the 2020 Sommelier Challenge suggests it punches above its weight in competition against peers at the same tier. The North Coast sourcing and sustainable packaging add genuine value beyond the liquid itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Dreaming Tree Cabernet?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the few widely distributed California Cabernets that sources exclusively from the North Coast — specifically Sonoma County and Mendocino — rather than blending across the state's broader appellations. That regional specificity translates into a more structured, spice-driven wine than many peers at its price point, a quality validated by its Platinum recognition at the 2020 Sommelier Challenge International Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Competition. The sustainability angle is not marketing window dressing: bottles weighing half the industry average represent a measurable reduction in shipping emissions. For drinkers seeking a dependable, environmentally conscious North Coast Cab with genuine complexity, Dreaming Tree delivers without requiring a collector's budget.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dreaming Tree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837596004521,"sku":"25809","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/DreamingTreeCabernetSauvignon.webp?v=1748988442"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/dreaming-tree.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}