Talk about an awesome Knights Valley Cabernet from an amazing vintage for less than $20! The 2015 Bench Cabernet Sauvignon from the Brack Mountain Winery is clicking on all cylinders in this glorious vintage.
From a vintage that Robert Parker rated 97 points overall for Cabernet Sauvignon, you will be hard pressed to find a better North Coast Cab at this price. Deeply colored, full bodied, and soaring with gorgeous notes of dark fruits, cocoa, vanilla and spice box, this is one of my favorite California Cabs for the money. You’ll like it too!
2015 Bench Cabernet Sauvignon Knight's Valley
Stunning North Coast Cab Value!
This vintage is sold out. Click here to check out the current release in our online store.
The Knights Valley AVA has been made famous by the likes of Beringer and Peter Michael, and this wine shares a connection. All of the fruit comes from the Totem Ridge Vineyard which was planted in 1991 under the guidance of Paul Vander Schalie.
That name might not ring for many of you, but he was one of the leading viticulturists in Knights Valley for over 30 years. He advised both Beringer Vineyards, and was highly influential later in the planting of vineyards for nearby Peter Michael Winery. The rich and rocky, volcanic soils sustain the vines without the need for irrigation, and the vines struggle just enough to create the intense and unique aromas and flavors for which Knights Valley Cabernet is known.
I recommend that you try the Knights Valley Cabs from both Peter Michael and Beringer, but be prepared to pay a lot more than $20. Before you try those, however, you should try this classic and value priced Cab from Bench.
From the hot and dry 2015 vintage, the vines were seriously stressed and yielded deeply flavored grapes and intense wines. This one is feremented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, and was then aged in 100% French oak (45% new) for 18 months. Deep, dark, and opaque in the glass, it offers up aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, black cherry, dark chocolate and complex spice. The palate is elegantly wound with dusty tannins and a supple, velvety texture. If ever there were a wine for red meat, this is the one.
This vintage is sold out. Click here to check out the current release in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville