Benziger Merlot
| Description: | This wine has loads of dark fruit flavors that are in balance with notes of pepper, black tea and clove. Very well structured, expect a velvety finish. Pair with your favorite red meat or kabobs. Tasting Notes |Our 2013 Merlot is a delicious full-bodied wine that is brilliantly balanced. Dark cherry, dried blueberry and a dusting of dark chocolate carry through the palate. This wine has loads of dark fruit flavors that are in balance with notes of pepper, black tea and clove. Very well structured, expect a velvety finish. Pair with your favorite red meat or kabobs. Winemaking | Handpicked fruit for this Merlot was sourced specifically from areas in Sonoma County that elicit the ultimate expression of full fruit and velvety texture, while maintaining varietal integrity. In the winery we used a variety of techniques to maximize flavor intensity and retain bright fruit flavors while managing tannin levels, including cold soaking, pump over, and varying fermentation lengths and temperatures. The wine was aged in French and American oak for 16 months. Vintage | 2013 was an intense harvest. The normal 6-8 week harvest was done in 5, and in some cases we were picking all different varietals on the same day, at the same time. It was one of the earlier harvests to start and finish in a decade. Vines started their development quite early this year because of the dry weather, so, in effect there was plenty of hang-time. Benziger Farming Practices | At Benziger Family Winery, we are dedicated to winemaking that reveals the true character of the vineyard, the varietal and the vintage in certified-sustainable wines defined by individuality and the passion of the people who make them. This wine was made with grapes grown by certified sustainable farming methods. Our sustainable philosophy promotes natural vineyard management, restoration of the land and biodiversity on the estate. We believe these practices result in wines that reflect the authentic flavors, aromas and character of the vineyard. Region Description. Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine. |
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| Price: | $ 13.99 |
| Price in original currency: | None |
Available from Haskell's
| Address: |
81 South 9th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 United States |
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| Telephone (toll-free): | 800-486-2434 |
| Telephone (regular): | 612-342-2437 |
| Fax: | 612-342-2440 |
First added to 1000 Corks on August 9, 2016.
