Have you ever met a person who you just feel gets along with everyone? Perhaps you have an acquaintance who may not necessarily be your best friend but who looks you straight in the eye, makes you feel comfortable and is interested in what you say. John Benish, owner of Benessere Vineyards, (www.benesserevineyards.com) and his daughter Nell Sikora are two people with whom I shared lunch and wine several weeks ago (see my blog post from Monday, January 16 for more info about our lunch and wines) and who display those qualities. They were easy to talk to, open, honest, and were not at all pretentious. Do you know where I’m going with this?? …..So are their wines.
I have had the opportunity to sample several selections from Benessere Vineyards and I shared them with friends and family members. The wines were enjoyed by all and several comments rang true throughout – that each wine was balanced and delicious, could be paired with a large selection of food choices, and displayed price points which were reasonable.
So what did we try??
***2007 Benessere Phenomenon – (sample) I really wanted to save this bottle of wine for a special occasion. But I couldn’t. It may be named “Phenomenon” but it is as close to a “Super Tuscan” as I’ve had here in the States. Blended with 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Sangiovese, 11% Merlot, and 2% Syrah, there were aromas of deep red fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries and after airing, there were aromas of dark spice and sweet oak. With medium tannins and high acidity, Phenomenon showed some minerality, earth, pepper, and deep red and black fruits on the palate – maybe some licorice and dark chocolate, too. I felt that this wine had a lingering finish and you can drink it now yet it has much potential for ageing. Coming in at $50.00, it may be more than you want to spend, but so worth it. The 2007 Phenomenon won the Bronze Award for Italian and Other Varietals at $20.00 and over at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
On the afternoon of Christmas Day, I presented a Zinfandel wine tasting for my family consisting of my husband, Mr. Grape Experiences, who is not a wine drinker (go figure, but at least he is learning to appreciate the process and taste), my son in law, and three twenty-something daughters all of whom are wine drinkers (thank goodness for that). I chose three Zins from different areas of California and the Benessere Estate Black Glass Vineyard was their hands down favorite!
***2008 Benessere Estate Black Glass Vineyard Zinfandel – (sample) All family members felt that this was a smoooooth Zinfandel and was well balanced. With aromas of cherries (yes!), vanilla, and fruits such as mango and earth and aromatic herbs, the wine was full bodied with high acidity and on the palate there were flavors of red plums, nutmeg, and chocolate. We all felt that we could just sip this wine yet enjoy it with tomato dishes, spicy foods, and grilled meats. At $28.00, this wine is a keeper and the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition gave this Zinfandel the Bronze Award for Zinfandels $25.00 – $29.99.
I’m not ashamed to write this: my daughter, son in law, and I watched this past Monday’s episode of “The Bachelor” at their condo in Chicago…with the 2010 Benessere Rosato. I thought it was appropriate (and in my mind, rather amusing) to ask them, “Will You Accept This Rosato?” and of course they did because what self respecting offspring refuses to accept *free* wine from their mom?? Anyway, all of us were pleasantly surprised that the Rosato was so delicious because we have all had Rose wines which weren’t!
***2010 Benessere Rosato – (sample) With light crimson color and aromas of minerality and floral notes, this wine was not sweet, just off dry (fantastic!), and we could all taste the raspberries and other red berries along with some tart qualities. I loved its high acidity and this wine is meant to be enjoyed while young. Although we loved it on a cold wintry evening with The Bachelor, it will be special even on a hot summer day chilled or with an ice cube in your glass! This Rosato is only $16.00~
Just like John Benish and his daughter, the wines of Benessere Vineyards are honest, unpretentious, and eager to tell their story as soon as you share time together. So “meet” some Benessere wine for lunch or dinner and pair it with your favorite food because I’m confident that after you swirl and sip, you’ll learn a bit more about that forty acre vineyard in St. Helena which is home to the Benish Family. Then savor yet another “grape experience”~
Cheers! ~ Cindy
