As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting many different wines, including the Benziger Pinot Noir from Monterey County. This particular Pinot Noir has a lot to offer in terms of flavor and complexity.
One of the first things you'll notice when tasting this wine is its inviting entry. It has a smooth and velvety texture that immediately draws you in. The fresh fruit flavors are also very prominent, with bright notes of strawberry and cranberry taking center stage. These fruits give the wine a juicy and refreshing quality that is quite pleasing to the palate.
In addition to the fruit flavors, there are also some subtle spice and earthy notes present in this Pinot Noir. These add a layer of complexity and depth to the wine, making it more interesting to explore. The spice notes are not overpowering, but rather provide a nice balance to the fruitiness. The earthy notes, on the other hand, give the wine a bit of a rustic quality, which adds to its overall charm.
The tannins in this Pinot Noir are silky and smooth, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel. They are well-integrated and provide just the right amount of structure to the wine. The balanced acids also contribute to the overall harmony of the wine, making it very enjoyable to drink.
The Benziger Pinot Noir from Monterey County is a wine that offers a delightful combination of fresh fruit flavors, subtle spice and earthy notes, and a luxurious mouthfeel. It is a well-rounded and balanced wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
Personal Experience:
I had the opportunity to taste this Pinot Noir during a wine tasting event at a local winery. The wine was served in a beautiful glass, and as I took my first sip, I was immediately struck by its inviting entry. The fresh fruit flavors were vibrant and delicious, with the strawberry and cranberry notes really shining through. I also noticed a hint of spice on the finish, which added a nice touch of complexity.
The tannins in this Pinot Noir were indeed silky and smooth, making for a very pleasant mouthfeel. The wine had a nice balance of acidity, which kept it refreshing and lively. I found this wine to be very enjoyable and easy to drink. It paired wonderfully with the charcuterie and cheese platter that was served, enhancing the flavors of both the wine and the food.
The Benziger Pinot Noir from Monterey County is a wine that I would highly recommend. Its inviting entry, fresh fruit flavors, and balanced acidity make it a versatile and enjoyable wine to savor. Whether you're a fan of Pinot Noir or just looking to try something new, this wine is definitely worth a taste.