Benziger Family Winery Pinot Noir Monterey County 2019 Wine

14%

Appearance: In the glass, this Pinot Noir displays a radiant ruby hue, hinting at the depth and vibrancy of its flavors.

Aroma: The nose is greeted by an enchanting bouquet of ripe strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, layered with delicate floral notes and hints of baking spices. Subtle undertones of forest floor and oak add complexity, evoking the terroir of Monterey County's vineyards.

Palate: On the palate, Benziger Pinot Noir Monterey County 2019 delights with its elegant and nuanced character. Ripe red berry fruits, including cherry and plum, dance across the tongue, accompanied by hints of earthiness and spice. Silky-smooth tannins and balanced acidity provide structure and balance, leading to a harmonious and lingering finish.

Benzinger's 2020 Merlot has inviting aromas of dark fruit and spice which translate well at first sip. Flavors of black cherry, cranberry, and vanilla carry through the palate.
Merlot is a dry, medium- to full-bodied wine with moderate acidity, moderate to high alcohol, and soft but present tannins.Bordeaux is undoubtedly the spiritual home of Merlot, where the Right Bank regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol deliver iconic benchmark expressions of the variety that are destined for long-term aging.Merlot is a blue-tinged grape that works well both on its own and in blends. A merlot wine made of 100% merlot grapes yields a deep, velvet, full-bodied red. Merlot is great for first-time wine drinkers or white wine enthusiasts who are looking for an introduction to red wines.Merlot is a variety at high risk to drought and winter and spring frosts. It is very sensitive to mildew, botrytis and cicadellid insects. Merlot is a variety that ripens easily so it tends to be planted more than its companion Cabernet Sauvignon, offering dense, pleasant and fresh wines.
Depending on the style of Merlot you're drinking, the taste profile can be quite different. Flavours commonly associated with Merlot include plum, blackberries, cherries and red fruits. Alternatively, you may experience the sensation of tucking into a delicious fruit-cake with chocolatey notes.
Much of the world's Merlot is grown in France, but it is also widely grown in north-east Italy, particularly in Friuli where it can make plumper wines than the prevailing Cabernet. Quality varies from basic light red varietals to rich, dense barrique-aged wines, often blended with Cabernet and/or Sangiovese.