Medium garnet red showing a light brick hue from aging. Pleasant nose of ripe strawberry, stone fruit and carmel. Bright flavors follow with a touch of green pepper. Moderate finish terminating with flint. This wine was decanted for 2 hours before tasting. I expect this wine can still be held, but everything seems resolved and probably will not improve. An enjoyable wine.
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Wasn’t expecting much given the vintage, but my friend had this in his cellar and shared it. Still full and rich with a dark note and lush in the mouth. Hangs in there with a few layers. Not dead yet and color still good. Pleasantly surprised.
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Read a recent review that the wine is getting light...properly cellared it is still strong! Blackberry, fig and a loam taste....the finish has some bosenberry with a soft finish.
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Phenomenal wine and very enjoyable. Probably could have decanted - but silky and drinking great right now! I think this could easily go several more years with proper cellaring......just barely a hint of turning that brick red color!
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Inky red purple color. Potent nose of black fruit, green vanilla and sage. Good acidity and balance. Tannins are round and leave me with the impression that they will become more velvety. Drinking well right now with potential upside on the horizon. 5+13+17+8=93.
Initially tasted months ago with the 07 and 09. The 06 was the standout and there was a nice price arb as well :-)
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Have had Cakebread Napa Valley on multipe occasions, this is the first Benchland Select. Added depth and concentration compared to napa valley. Great upon opening and for the next 2 hours. Had to fight off Becca for the last couple of glassess. In a great spot right now and for the next 2-3 years. Still very primary and fruity. Does has acidity and structure to age for a few years but pretty great now.
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Decanter Fine Wine Encounter; 11/13/2010-11/14/2010 (Landmark Hotel, London): (Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 20 months in 30 new oak. Deep red inky color, full nose, fruits, nutmeg and cinnamon, a bit aggressive tannins, powerful , ripe blackcurrants, nice acidity, juicy and firm medium aftertaste. This will need at least 3-4 years
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1/7/2022 - Lee Fining Likes this wine: 92 Points
Medium garnet red showing a light brick hue from aging. Pleasant nose of ripe strawberry, stone fruit and carmel. Bright flavors follow with a touch of green pepper. Moderate finish terminating with flint. This wine was decanted for 2 hours before tasting. I expect this wine can still be held, but everything seems resolved and probably will not improve. An enjoyable wine.
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12/31/2021 - cmhvino Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wasn’t expecting much given the vintage, but my friend had this in his cellar and shared it. Still full and rich with a dark note and lush in the mouth. Hangs in there with a few layers. Not dead yet and color still good. Pleasantly surprised.
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1/24/2021 - rbc1978 wrote: 93 Points
Read a recent review that the wine is getting light...properly cellared it is still strong! Blackberry, fig and a loam taste....the finish has some bosenberry with a soft finish.
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4/12/2020 - thunderfly Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good. Getting a little on the lighter side.
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9/24/2017 - Colorado3G Likes this wine: 92 Points
Phenomenal wine and very enjoyable. Probably could have decanted - but silky and drinking great right now! I think this could easily go several more years with proper cellaring......just barely a hint of turning that brick red color!
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7/11/2015 - Meneley wrote:
Loads of black fruits, soft tannins. Showing well. LO
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8/25/2014 - theodore3 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Delicious
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5/7/2014 - WDSteers wrote: 93 Points
great balance of fruit and acidity. dark berry and cocoa. hint of mint.
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7/6/2013 - Delli Likes this wine: 93 Points
Inky red purple color. Potent nose of black fruit, green vanilla and sage. Good acidity and balance. Tannins are round and leave me with the impression that they will become more velvety. Drinking well right now with potential upside on the horizon. 5+13+17+8=93.
Initially tasted months ago with the 07 and 09. The 06 was the standout and there was a nice price arb as well :-)
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6/6/2013 - meatbomb013 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Have had Cakebread Napa Valley on multipe occasions, this is the first Benchland Select. Added depth and concentration compared to napa valley. Great upon opening and for the next 2 hours. Had to fight off Becca for the last couple of glassess. In a great spot right now and for the next 2-3 years. Still very primary and fruity. Does has acidity and structure to age for a few years but pretty great now.
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3/13/2011 - jasonkle wrote: 92 Points
Thick and rich. Finish could be smoother.
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11/14/2010 - kostaslonis wrote: 86 Points
Decanter Fine Wine Encounter; 11/13/2010-11/14/2010 (Landmark Hotel, London): (Decanter Fine Wine Encounter) 20 months in 30 new oak. Deep red inky color, full nose, fruits, nutmeg and cinnamon, a bit aggressive tannins, powerful , ripe blackcurrants, nice acidity, juicy and firm medium aftertaste. This will need at least 3-4 years
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5/30/2009 - Phin wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 5 hours. Medium body. Blacker fruits and better balance than regular cakebread. Not as lush and fruit forward however. Decent balance.
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