Benza, Estate "Le Soir," Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA 2023

Overview of the Wine
Somewhere around 2004 living in the Bay Area, Ron got the bug to own a vineyard…Given his marketing background the natural entry point into the wine business would have been much further downstream than actually growing grapes. Maybe it was his Italian heritage—“it’s in my blood…I’m sure I had ancestors that tended the vines in the old country”. Or perhaps his insistence on being completely vertically integrated from the growing process all the way through production and marketing. He wanted to make and sell wine from his own vineyard.

It was supposed to be in Sonoma. Then it was supposed to be in the Livermore Valley. It didn’t turn out to be either.

Trish, meanwhile, started to be more and more interested in the dream herself. Not the farming part…that was Ron’s thing…but the chemistry behind the making of great wine. And eventually the marketing of it in her own tasting room. That said, the pickings were slim in little Livermore to bring the dream to life. Sonoma was now too far with Trish’s job.

Then like a bolt from the blue, Intel swept in and made Trish an offer she couldn’t refuse. The offer meant leaving the lifetime security of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where she ran the Computation Directorate of 1000 mathematicians and computer scientists to contemplate a move to Hillsboro, Oregon. Ron and Trish realized this could be the fulfillment of a dream…the storied Willamette Valley. In their view, the best Pinot Noir in the US. The opportunity was there for the taking. And they did.

Ron was frequently reminded by Trish who said throughout the process that “see…if you keep the dream in sight…keep it alive…eventually it will happen.” Darned if Trish wasn’t right (again that is).

Winemaker
Paden West

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2022 Symphony Pinot Noir once again comprises fruit sourced from three prized vineyards in three nested AVA’s of the WV: Yamhill Carlton, McMinnville and the Laurelwood District. The latter being fruit from the Benza Estate itself.  Like adding instruments for a richer orchestra sound, this wine brings together a symphony of flavors deserving of its name. Aged 16 months in 20% New French Oak to ensure approachability.

94 Points - Owen Bargreen
The 2023 Benza ‘Le Soir’ Pinot Noir is a dense, delicious and very earthy bottling that delivers terrific length. Black truffle shavings and blackberry compote combine with suggestions of black tea and peat moss accents on the palate. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2039. 

92 Points - James Suckling
Aromas of red fruit with subtle touches of herbs, red flowers and sandstone. Big flavors of Bing cherries and tangerines on the palate, with a medium body and some sneaky tannins at the end. Drink or hold.

Product size: 750ml