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Each review will feature a formal www.gismondionwine review along with additional information supplied by the producer and information about where you can buy it.
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95/100 Benziger Tribute 2001 Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, United States |
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Vancouver is the first market to get its hands on the inaugural release of Benziger Tribute, a 100 per cent |
| Tasted: 2004-04-22 by Anthony Gismondi and Stuart Tobe Prices: BC $99.95 (750 ml) Specialty UPC: 785774040000 Producer: Benziger Family Winery |
| Distributor: Winspeer International Group Ltd. |
biodynamic, Sonoma Mountain wine produced just out of Glen Ellen on the Benziger single vineyard property. The fruit, a mix of blocks 21 and 29 wine, was fermented on 100 per cent natural yeast for 21 days before it was drained warm into barrique where it was racked twice a year. Tribute has been many years in the making but it would appear the wait was well worth it. As fine as the reserve cabernet is, this 80/12/6/2 blend of cabernet sauvignon/ cabernet franc/petit verdot/merlot is even better. The nose is aromatic with black berry jam, cassis, pepper, vanilla, coffee and black olive aromas mixed with a background of tobacco, barnyard, licorice and gamey notes. Rich, concentrated, round the tannins are super supple and ripe. Intense vanilla, coffee, tobacco, licorice and pepper flavours mix with mint, olive and black berry jam notes. The finish is slightly, dry and firm at this point with more cassis, violet and coffee. Long, balanced and surprisingly drinkable now it will keep for three to seven years comfortably. Certainly one of the best ever for Benziger and true "tribute" to biodynamic production. Fabulous collector's wine.
