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The 2003 vintage and growing season was not normal. In fact, there has not been a normal vintage for many years. A late budbreak, followed by late spring rains, delayed the flowering and set of the fruit. A moderately cool summer foretold of a late harvest. However, a few late August and early September “blasts” of heat, coupled with extremely unseasonable thunder and lightning storms, brought the crop in on average of the same time as 2002. Winemaking: This wine represents the finest Zinfandel we produce at Benessere from our Estate vineyards. We carefully thin each vine in the vineyard from a potential of 5+ tons per acre down to less than 2.4, thereby maximizing the flavors developed by the remaining fruit. Harvesting at maximum ripeness, without developing port-like characteristics is crucial. Concentration is the hallmark of this vineyard. Gentle handling into our open-topped fermentors and hand-punching the skins into the juice allow the intensity of flavor in the skins to slowly release into the wine. After 31 days on the skins, we pressed the wine into a combination of new, tight-grained American oak and once-used French oak barrels. Decanted twice from the barrel, this wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered on June 1, 2005. Tasting notes: Dark ruby/purple in color, the seductive aromatics of raspberries and cherry jam, mingle with a creamy vanilla-custard. Distinctively rich and pure in aroma and flavor, the ripe cherry/raspberry and chocolate malt flavors integrate well with toasty oak and spice. Pair this wine with aged beef and dry jack cheese. The substantial structure will allow this wine to age well for the next ten-plus years.

This wine is jam-packed with flavors and aromas. Loads of deep, ripe cherries and blackberries are apparent on the nose with a lush core of sweet vanilla and toasty oak. These aromas carry through to the palate, where the round and ripe entry is complemented by a full bodied mouth feel and harmonious and lingering finish. This wine should pair well with beef, pork and lamb. It will age well for the next seven to ten years. Enjoy with good friends and family. Make any occasion special by opening this estate grown, produced and bottled wine.

Typical for the ’99 vintage, it is well structured and powerful. It is darkly hued, and aromatically pure Sangiovese, with plum and violet. There are spicy clove and cinnamon notes, with a creamy vanillin. This wine is like Sean Connery: strong, suave, well bred and a great dinner companion!

The 1998 Sangiovese is both elegant and powerful. It is like Sophia Loren in an Armani suit. Darkly hued, extracted wine, with loads of black cherry, plum and violets and milk chocolate.

The 1997 vintage began with a flood on New Years Day! Harvest began early as a result of the weather. An abundant crop with extremely high quality was the payoff for the growers and winemakers.

The 2003 Old-Vines Zinfandel is opaque and dark-ruby/purple in color, smelling of ripe blackberries and cherry jam, sandalwood, the dusty earth where it was grown and creamy oak. The taste is of dark, berry fruit and the perfume of sweet French prunes, and it finishes with a power and grace befitting this venerable vineyard. Pair this wine with rack of barbecue ribs, grilled meats or teriyaki chicken. Our Old-Vines Zinfandel is meant to enjoy with friends. It will age well for the next five to ten years.

The 2003 Old-Vines Zinfandel is opaque and dark-ruby/purple in color, smelling of ripe blackberries and cherry jam, sandalwood, the dusty earth where it was grown and creamy oak. The taste is of dark, berry fruit and the perfume of sweet French prunes, and it finishes with a power and grace befitting this venerable vineyard. Pair this wine with rack of barbecue ribs, grilled meats or teriyaki chicken. Our Old-Vines Zinfandel is meant to enjoy with friends. It will age well for the next five to ten years.

r 2003 Syrah is a great accompaniment to full flavored dishes. It is dark ruby-purple in color, with dark, berry fruit aromas, ripe plums, orange rind and allspice scents. The palate is ripe and full, and loaded with fruit-forward flavors of French prunes, wild game, and spicy oak. This wine will pair well with hearty fare such as steak, roast duck and pecorino cheese. It will age well for the next decade.

This wine is brimming with tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. Jasmine flower and honeysuckle are also among the first things to notice in the nose. The ripe flavors of white peach, tangerine and pear-apple create a symphony for the senses. The wine finishes with a mouth-coating ripeness and a lingering, yet clean, finish, as each taste cleanses the palate for the next bite of food. Our Pinot Grigio is at its best when chilled to 45 degrees F, and served as an aperitif or with a wide range of foods from soft cheeses and sourdough bread, crab-cakes, halibut, and chicken breast sandwiches. Perfect for springtime and summer sipping!

Our 2005 Rosato di Sangiovese has a beautiful medium pink-rosé color, with strawberry-watermelon on the nose and a fresh, fruity strawberry-cherry flavor on the palate. It exhibits a clean, crisp character in the mouth and a smooth finish. This versatile and food-friendly wine should be paired with honey-baked ham, grilled chicken-apple sausage, tuna nicoise salad and mild cheeses. Enjoy this wine today with food, friends and family!

2003 marks the first year of producing a 100% estate grown and bottled Sangiovese. The vines, planted in 1997, have finally matured to the point where we no longer depend on outside sources for fruit. With over 16 different clones planted on our estate in St. Helena, we are confident in our ability to grow great Sangiovese in Napa Valley. Thinning the crop to one cluster per shoot continues to provide low quantity, but high quality fruit. Gravity and hand operations typify the vinification methods that have been employed since 1995. Open-topped French oak fermentors provide temperamental, but effective vessels for extraction of maximum flavor and texture from the fruit.

Our 2004 Sauvignon Blanc is pale straw/light yellow in color. Aromas of fresh Asian pears, honeydew melon and lemon zest are apparent in the bouquet. In the mouth, the pears and melon are evident, as well as a clean, palate cleansing finish. Our Sauvignon Blanc is best when slightly chilled and served as an aperitif or with a wide range of foods including fresh oysters and sushi, to Petrale Sole and lemon chicken breast. Try this wine as an alternative to Chardonnay, and always enjoy with food, friends and family