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Kendall-Jackson 2004 Taylor Peak Estate Merlot (Bennett Valley)
- $40
Lots of structure in this refined, polished Merlot. The tannins are strong but sweetly ripe, and with the crisp acids, they provide a rich framework to the cherry, cassis, cola and mocha flavors. Dry and elegant, this wine drinks well now and should hold for five years before the fruit fades.
— S.H.
(6/1/2007)
Matanzas Creek 2009 Chardonnay (Bennett Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $40
A big, oaky Chardonnay, obviously rich and dense, but somewhat immature. Just doesn’t feel like all the parts are working in harmony quite yet. Yet there’s lots going on under the dryness, lees and wood tannins. Huge flavors of citrus and tropical fruits, minerals and flowers. Flashy, a crowd-pleaser. Give it 2–3 years in a cool cellar.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
C Square 2007 Merlot (Bennett Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $28
Bennett Valley is a little appellation in Sonoma County and it’s been known as a good source of nuanced Merlot since Matanzas Creek specialized in the variety. This new bottling recalls those glory days. It’s a fine Merlot, dry and silky and elegant, with ripe flavors of black and red cherries, chocolate and herbs. Try as a softer, gentler version to Cabernet.
— S.H.
(2/1/2010)
Kendall-Jackson 2005 Highland Estates Taylor Peak Merlot (Bennett Valley)
- $40
The vineyard gets the benefit of cool breezes via the Petaluma Gap. The structure is very polished, with firm tannins and brisk acids framing blackberry, cherry, blueberry, cola and spice flavors. Notable for its richness and finesse, and a great success for a California Merlot.
— S.H.
(7/1/2008)
Novy 2007 Judge Family Vineyard Syrah (Bennett Valley)
- $29
Very fine, very rich and very dry, this is a Syrah you can pull out for your best steaks. It has a peppery saltiness that will pair brilliantly with charred beef. Richness comes via ripe blackberries and cherries, as well as from sweet, smoky oak. Terrific now and through 2013.
— S.H.
(10/1/2010)
Kendall-Jackson 2003 Highlands Estate Taylor Peak Merlot (Bennett Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $40
Only 500 cases were produced of this thick, tannic, complex wine from Sonoma County. It’s cellarworthy and hard, dry and astringent now in dense cherry, cassis and mocha flavors that finish with wonderful length and harmony. You can drink it now, but you must adjust for the tannins. Otherwise, cellar until at least 2008.
— S.H.
(4/1/2006)
Matanzas Creek 2008 Estate Vineyards Chardonnay (Bennett Valley)
- $40
A very fine Chardonnay, not just because it’s so ripe and fruity, but more importantly because the underlying structure is so fine. Crisp acidity and some dusty tannins frame pineapple tart and zesty green apple flavors, enriched with winemaker interventions of sweet oak and creamy lees. Classy and delicious.
— S.H.
(5/1/2010)
Bjornstad 2008 Barbed Oak Vineyard Chardonnay (Bennett Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $30
The initial impression of this Chardonnay is of intense pineapple, pear and tropical fruit flavors, but then the minerality and acidity kick in, and the wine feels grounded and vital. It’s a lovely effort, rich and intense yet light and ephemeral.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
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2009 Merry Edwards
Made from eight vineyards located throughout this sprawling appellation…
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