קטגוריות:
| >> Rogov's Tastes » Benhaim - Januaruy 2006 | |
I visited the Not all winemakers and not all wineries agree with the tasting notes or evaluations of all critics, and I am well aware that the Benhaim family feels that I under-rate their wines. What I appreciate, however, is that despite our disagreements (which we discuss openly) each of the members of this family-owned endeavor always greets me with openness and warmth. More than that, as I respect their endeavors, so I believe they respect mine. What I can comfortably report is that since I first started reviewing the Following, in the order of this morning's tasting are my notes. All of the wines will be re-tasted blind at least once again before the 2007 edition of the book goes to press. Best, Benhaim, Pinot Noir, 2003: Cherry red towards light garnet, medium-bodied, with soft tannins, bended with 15% of Merlot and oak-aged for 14 months. On the nose and palate berry, cherry and plum fruits. As written earlier, lacking complexity but a pleasant little wine destined for youthful drinking. Drink now or in the next year or so. Score 85. K (Re-tasted 8 Jan 2006) Benhaim, Merlot, 2003: Medium-dark garnet in color, medium bodied, with generous but soft tannins and wood, those in good balance with the fruits and acidity. On first attack, plums and spices, those opening to reveal black cherries and cassis fruits together with hints of smoke, all leading to a pleasing hint of bitterness on the finish. Drink now-2007. Score 87. K (Re-tasted 8 Jan 2006) Benhaim, Benhaim, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003: A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 5% Petite Sirah, this dark garnet, medium- to full-bodied wine reflects its 14 months in barriques with generous spicy oak and tannins that are still firm but now integrating nicely. An appealing array of blackcurrant, wild berry, coffee and dark chocolate notes, those leading to a long finish. Score 89. K (Re-tasted 8 Jan 2006) Benhaim, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, 2003 (Advance Tasting): Medium- to full-bodied, this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 5% Petite Sirah (which seems to be a standard for the Benhaim, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grande Reserve, 2003 (Advance Tasting): With more than two years in new oak this full-bodied and firmly tannic wine is still in its infancy. Under the oak and tannins appealing plum, currant, chocolate and licorice seem to be waiting to burst out but it will take time to see if those ever manage to overcome the heavy hand with the wood. Perhaps better with time. Tentative Score 86-88. K (Tasted 8 Jan 2006) Benhaim, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grande Reserve, 2000: Showing considerably better than at earlier tastings, perhaps because the wine is aging gracefully or perhaps it is now singing its swan's song. Despite the improvement, still firm tannins and solid and almost chunky wood after having spent 26 months in oak make this more of an herbal-earthy-mineral wine than a fruity one. I'll taste this one again in 9 months to see where it goes. Score at this tasting 86. (Re-tasted 8 Jan 2006) Benhaim,
|
