2009 was a warm growing season finishing with a blasting storm third week of October. We picked the three blocks that are part of this Journey the last days of September and the first of October. Early for many growers but fine for us because these fine Mountain blocks are above the fog line and they ripen earlier. It is warmer at higher altitudes in the morning so these blocks start photosynthesizing earlier in the day.
We had a great extraction, perfect acidity, great color and a finesse that it is perceive on the nose and in the long finish.

The 2009 growing season was warmer and dryer. Though temperatures were warmer than usual, we had some outbreaks of cold air coming from the Pacific Ocean through the Petaluma Gap and also from San Pablo Bay. In the late morning hours, the sun shined throughout the vineyards maturing the fruit, giving us delicate aromas of plum and blueberry.

A stunning new Merlot with bright ruby red color, pronounced aromatics of plums, blueberries, black mulberries, vanilla, nutmeg and chocolate, toffee and dry oregano. Fantastic flavors continue on the palette that are sinuous, juicy, and luscious and supple with an excellent balance of acidity.

Our signature Bennett Valley Merlot is sourced from the terraced vineyards of the Jackson Park Ranch. Located 930-feet above Bennett Valley's floor, our 110 acre site is planted to clone 181, the Pétrus clone of Merlot. We also blended in 14% Cabernet Sauvignon from our mountain vineyards in Knights Valley, to add additional structure and a rich mouthfeel.

A beautiful garnet red color, the nose of our signature Merlot is a collection of fresh herbs including thyme, sage and clove followed by black currants and licorice.

The nose of this Syrah immediately captivates you with bright red fruit, plums and blackberry. The fruit continues on the palate and smoke lingers on the finish due to a high level of basalt in the Bennett Valley soil. Pairs excellent with foods coming off the grill.