Benzinger Family Winery Chardonnay Sonoma County Wine

14%

Appearance: In the glass, this Chardonnay displays a pale straw color, reminiscent of the golden hues of a sunlit Sonoma afternoon.

Aroma: The nose is greeted by a delightful bouquet of ripe apple, pear, and citrus, accented by subtle hints of vanilla and buttery notes. Undertones of toasted oak add depth, while a touch of minerality evokes the cool coastal influences of Sonoma County.

Palate: On the palate, Benzinger Family Winery Chardonnay delivers a beautifully balanced experience. Crisp acidity enlivens the palate, while flavors of apple, pear, and lemon zest dance across the tongue. The wine's creamy texture provides a luxurious mouthfeel, complemented by nuances of vanilla and toasted oak. A lingering finish leaves a refreshing impression, inviting another sip.

Overall Impression: Benzinger Family Winery Chardonnay Sonoma County is a true expression of the region's terroir and the Benzinger family's dedication to quality winemaking. With its vibrant flavors, elegant texture, and impeccable balance, this Chardonnay offers a memorable tasting experience that captures the essence of Sonoma County's sun-drenched vineyards and cool coastal influences.

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.