Reviews & Ratings

2006 Benessere Red Blends or Varietals "Phenomenon"

Winery: Benessere

Vintage: 2006

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Phenomenon"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, & 2% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $50

Cases produced: 494

KWG Score: 89 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: June 28, 2011

Wine Review: This opaque and dark ruby red blend is very interesting and appealing. It opens with a very attractive menthol and black cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely balanced, velvety smooth, and displays nice fruit. The flavor profile is a very tasty cherry with a touch of wintergreen, nutmeg, and oak. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins are sticky and linger nicely. I would pair this very food friendly wine with veal marsala or a prime rib (King cut) with baked potato and sour cream . Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Phenomenon is the estate red wine at Benessere! Each year we produce only enough bottles that we feel are worthy to be called "Phenomenon". After several years of production, we have come to know that Phenomenon is a wine that is age-worthy and substantial enough to pair with the most full flavored meats and sauces, yet elegant enough to enjoy as the "instead of dessert" drink after a memorable meal. Phenomenon possesses distinct aromas of black cherry, sweet oak and soulful essences of black olive tapenade, glove leather and vanilla. On the palate, the flavors are pure, sweet and lingering with pure dark chocolate, home-made grenadine and fine-grain tannins apparent. It will age beautifully and gracefully for the next decade or more. - Jack Stuart, Winemaker

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Benessere 2006 Phenomenon.