Wine With Wanda

From Drinking with Dad to Running the Show: Winemaker Jamie Benziger of Imagery Estate Winery

Jamie Benziger, Winemaker, Imagery Estate Winery

"Dad didn't raise daughters, he raised drinking buddies!" As soon as second generation winemaker Jamie Benziger uttered those words, I knew our wine tasting would be even more fun than most.

If you're a fan of wines from Sonoma, the Benziger name and the family's high-quality organic wines are bound to be familiar. In the 1980's Joe Benziger, Jamie's father, wanted to branch out from the family business and created a sister winery, Imagery Estate Winery. 

Crafting wines that are familiar yet unconventional, Imagery blends traditional varietals with a twist. Have you ever tasted Chardonnay blended with a dash of Chenin Blanc? Or what about Sauvignon Blanc with a hint of Muscat? These unexpected yet delicious blends exist in the Imagery universe.

Joe Benziger retired in 2017 and told Jamie, the second-born of his three daughters, 'It's your turn now. You got this." Indeed, she does. Not only was Jamie born into a winemaking family and has years of hands-on experience earned at the Benziger estates in Sonoma, her pursuit of wine knowledge led Jamie to spend time working at other wineries, including in New Zealand. Jamie has paid her dues and proven herself more than prepared to lead Imagery towards a fabulous future. 

Jamie describes Imagery Chardonnay 2017 ($17) as the "patio pounder of Chardonnays." Mostly Chardonnay (90%) with a kiss of Chenin Blanc (10%) to make it pop, this minimally oaked white wine is pleasingly juicy with vibrant flavors of green apple, citrus, and melon. A real crowd-pleaser with a tasty twist! 

Sauvignon Blanc (85%) blended with Muscat (15%), Imagery Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($17) is a welcome alternative to aggressively zingy Sauvignon Blanc wines. The dry Muscat adds great texture that softens the lemon, lime, and grapefruit flavors. 

Imagery Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($20) gets a sassy kick of spice from the addition of Petite Sirah (15%). Juicy and earthy with mouthwatering flavors of blackberry, pepper, clove, and toast; this is a fantastic BBQ wine. 

If you're planning a trip to Sonoma, Imagery welcomes visitors for tastings. Their portfolio is quite expansive and includes everything from Albariño to Viognier. Art is also an important part of Imagery's identity and over the years they have commissioned original label artwork from many well-known contemporary artists. The entire collection contains works of art by more than 300 artists and around 60 pieces are on view in the gallery. 

Let There Be Wine: Viña VIK Crafts Exceptional Chilean Wines From a Place of Gold

 

“VIK is a book. Every glass is a chapter. Every sip is a page.”
Cristián Vallejo, Chief Winemaker, Viña VIK

Whether he’s discussing vineyard management, barrel selection, or the artistry of wine; a conversation with winemaker Cristián Vallejo of Viña VIK is an exhilarating journey. A true visionary, when Cristián accepted the offer in 2006 to become the chief winemaker for Viña VIK, there were no vines planted. Others may have been daunted by the challenge but Cristián was invigorated. “I saw 11,000 wild unplanted acres, dug into the soil, and knew immediately this virgin land had the potential to create a wine which could stand among the world’s best.” Cristián’s intuition was right. Full of flavor, nuance, and passion; VIK wines are exceptional.

The story of Viña VIK begins with Norwegian entrepreneur Alexander Vik. In 2004, he envisioned a world-class vineyard that would produce unique wines and Vik's quest led him to Chile's Millahue Valley, which means Place of Gold, the name given to this special terrain by the indigenous people. Located in the interior of the valley, Viña VIK boasts a varied terroir and small microclimates with distinct exposures. Cooled by coastal breezes, this geological diversity imbues the grapes with a complexity that is the foundation of great wine. "80% of what you do is in the vineyard and that's the key to the final flavor," said Cristián. For example, to obtain the best quality grapes, VIK always harvests manually and at night, when the grape is coolest.  

image courtesy of Viña VIK

With experience at some of the world's most celebrated wineries in Chile, France, and Spain, Cristián is passionate about crafting wines that are a true expression of terroir. Opting for indigenous yeast during fermentation and refraining from filtering the wines are some of the techniques Cristián implements at VIK to achieve this authenticity. "I don't like to make muscle wines. I want people to finish the bottle." VIK describes themselves as a holistic winery and their portfolio currently consists of three exceptionally well-made wines that are the embodiment of vision, artistry, passion, nature, technology, and intuition. Trust me, finishing a bottle of VIK won't be a problem. 



True confession: my first taste of VIK 2013 ($165.00) was so intense that I blurted out to Cristián, "This is what it must be like to kiss Antonio Banderas!" Admittedly, this is not the most technical of observations but VIK inspired a truly emotional response. That's what the very best wines do. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (67%), Cabernet Franc (17%), Carmenere (14%), and Merlot (2%), this Bordeaux-inspired blend is rich and plush with great freshness and intensity -- just like a perfect kiss. Aged for 23 months in new French oak barrels, VIK's vibrant red & black fruit flavors are enhanced by a tinge of espresso and mocha. With a virtually never-ending finish, VIK is an elegant and thrilling journey. 


VIK Milla Cala 2014 ($44.99) is a captivating blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Carmenere (27%), Syrah (12%), Merlot (4%), and Cabernet Franc (2%). The five grapes are well integrated but the Carmenere peeks out of the glass just enough to imbue this blend with an unabashedly Chilean sensibility. Aged for 21 months, Milla Cala is complex yet approachable. 

It takes a lot of chutzpah to name a wine "the most beautiful" but there's nothing timid about VIK La Piu Belle 2011($99.99). From the striking artistry of the bottle to the va va voom nature of the vino within, La Piu Belle will not be ignored. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Carmenere (31%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Merlot (6%), and Syrah (4%) that was aged for 21 months, La Piu Belle is silky, sassy, and sumptuous. The conversation-piece bottle was painted by artist Gonzalo Cienfuegos as an homage to art, the art of winemaking, and VIK's passion for both. Aged for 21 months in new French oak, La Piu Belle is a compelling expression of vibrant fruit with herbal accents. 

image courtesy of Viña VIK

If you're planning a trip to Chile, friends have told me that VIK is an impressive and immersive experience. The expansive property boasts world-class accommodations and invites guests to indulge in a wide variety of activities, including wine tasting, horseback riding, fine dining, trekking, and spa treatments. A visit to Viña VIK has certainly been added to my wine travel wish list! 

image courtesy of Viña VIK

Let the Rosé Flow: Three Terrific Pink Wines from Virginia, Provence, and Oregon

Can you even imagine summer without rosé? Luckily, we don't have to! Rosé wines are delicious year-round but there's no denying that these flirty pink sips are particularly suited to the sunny and carefree vibe of the summer season. Pretty and refreshing, rosé wines are a fun way to explore new regions and grapes. I plan on taking my taste buds on a delicious rosé journey all summer long and will keep you updated with short reviews of my favorites. Cheers! 

Early Mountain Rosé 2018 ($25) is a juicy and fresh blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. Bone dry but bursting with vibrant red berry and citrus flavors and zippy acidity, this elegant rosé has pizzazz. If you’re not familiar with Virginia wines, Early Mountain is a charming introduction.

No rosé tasting is complete without taking your palate on a journey to the place that started the world's pink wine obsession - Provence! Berne "Inspiration" Côtes de Provence Rosé 2018 ($20) is a chic and tasty example of a classic Provençal rosé. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, this dry but fruity wine captivates the taste buds with luscious red berry flavors and lively hints of lavender, basil, and thyme. Take a sip, close your eyes, and imagine yourself in the south of France! 

 

Are you ready for a glass of Oregon ooh la la? Chehalem Rosé of Pinot Noir 2018 ($25) is the perfect summer sip. Renowned for their superb Pinot Noir, Chehalem's rosé is more playful but equally impressive. Delicate but not wimpy, with lovely soft red fruit flavors and juicy acidity, this flirty rosé has style and substance.

Meet the Winemaker: Francisco Baettig of Viña Errázuriz in Chile

Several months have passed since my meeting with winemaker Francisco Baettig but our tasting is far from a distant memory; the wines and the man made quite an impression. Chief Winemaker at Viña Errázuriz since 2003, Francisco has earned many impressive accolades; including Winemaker of the Year and a perfect 100-point score for Viñedo Chadwick 2014. Francisco has certainly earned the right to be a bit boastful but he's endearingly humble and would rather discuss the finer points of vineyard management, soil types, and barrels. Francisco's laser-sharp focus on making high quality wine can be tasted in the bottle. 

Francisco has played an integral role in elevating the quality and reputation of Chilean wines and he wants the world "to see Chile not only as entry level wines but more interesting and terroir driven." From fresh to complex, Francisco crafts a diverse array of wines for Errázuriz but balance and a sense of place are common threads. If you're looking to sip some sensational Chilean wines; consider my three picks from Errázuriz.


Errazuriz Max Chardonnay Reserva 2017 ($20) is all about freshness and crisp fruit. 100% Chardonnay, juicy fruit is accented by hints of spice - the result of 10 months of barrel aging in French oak. Charming and a bit creamy with flavors of crisp golden apple and a tangy tinge of lemon custard. 

Simplicity is the beauty of Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir 2017 ($20). Fresh cherry and strawberry flavors really shine in this juicy red. Hints of earth and tea leaves add depth and dimension. A real charmer! (I tasted the 2017 but the 2018 vintage is now available.)

Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2016 ($115) isn't just a fine Chilean wine, it's an impressive wine, period. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, and Petit Verdot; the first vintage of Don Maximiano was introduced with the 1983 vintage and was one of the first "Super-Chileans." The estate's flagship wine, the 2016 vintage of Don Maximiano was aged 22 months in French oak. Francisco said, "the style of the house is not too much oak" and it's true -- the use of oak is very judicious and doesn't overwhelm the wine. This elegant red is fresh and vibrant with impeccable structure and intense flavors of red cherry, pomegranate, violet, blackberry, and blueberry. Delicious now, this wine has what it takes to age beautifully. 

Don Maximiano Icon Winery
image courtesy of Viña Errázuriz

If you're planning a visit to Chile, Errázuriz welcomes visitors for tours and tastings at their estate in Aconcagua. 

California Ooh La La: Domaine Carneros Sparkling Wine & Pinot Noir

image courtesy of Domaine Carneros

Repeat after me - "Champagne only comes from Champagne, France." This mantra is one of wine's golden rules but what happens when an iconic Champagne house decides to make sparkling wine in California? That was the bold decision taken by Champagne Taittinger when they secured a 138-acre parcel in the heart of Carneros, Napa Valley in 1987. Focused on the production of traditional method sparkling wines and Pinot Noir, Domaine Carneros isn't in the business of foolishly trying to replicate what they do in France but rather on the creation of a "quintessential California expression of Taittinger style."

"Our job is to make wines that reflect our unique terroir," said TJ Evans, Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir winemaker, when I met with him recently. His colleague, Eileen Crane, is the founding winemaker and CEO of Domaine Carneros and is often referred to as "America's Doyenne of Sparkling Wine" because of her impressive 40 years of experience in the wine industry. Together, TJ and Eileen make a formidable team. 

There is certainly a French elegance to the Domaine Carneros wines that I tasted but that precision is punctuated with a tinge of California exuberance.  As TJ eloquently said, "Our wines show more of the sunshine."

Domaine Carneros Brut Cuvée 2015 ($35) is an elegant introduction to their style. A blend of Chardonnay (51%), Pinot Noir (47%), and Pinot Gris (2%), this charming bubbly is classic but not boring. Made in the same labor intensive method as champagne (Méthode Traditionelle), Brut Cuvée was aged three and half years in the cellar to enhance its complexity. Round and full with fine bubbles, a luscious creamy texture, and flavors of baked pear, lemon meringue, and a hint of citrus; this is a very versatile wine for food pairing -- winemaker Eileen Crane particularly enjoys it with cheeses or roast chicken.

Considered their finest sparkling wine, TJ  described Domaine Carneros Le Réve Blanc de Blancs 2012 ($115) as "made to age." Crafted from 100% estate grown grapes, it is a pure expression of terroir. Le Réve is French for "the dream" and there is certainly an ethereal quality to this beautiful bubbly. A complex and elegant tapestry of flavors, Le Réve sashays across the palate with flavors of white flowers, Meyer lemon, poached pear, honeysuckle, and a hint of luscious créme brûlée. Suggested pairings include lobster, scallops, fish, poultry, and rich creamy cheeses. 

A blend of Pinot Noir (59%) and Chardonnay (41%), Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé ($37) strikes that perfect balance between fun and sophisticated. Named after Louis XV's lover, Madame de la Pompadour, it is a tasty tribute to the woman who introduced sparkling wine to the court at Versailles. Fresh red fruit flavors are accented by hints of tangerine, orange, and peach. Vibrant and fruit-forward but quite dry, suggested pairings include duck, salmon, and desserts with fresh berries. 

Domaine Carneros Estate Pinot Noir 2016 ($42) lives up to winemaker TJ Evans's statement that "Pinot Noir is all about the texture." Crafted from 100% estate grown Pinot Noir, it is supple and nuanced with a dynamic range of red and dark berry flavors, earth, tea leaves, and a sassy kick of spice. Juicy and rich but very graceful, it pairs beautifully with beef, poultry, pork, and grilled salmon. 

If you're planning a trip to Napa, Domaine Carneros is about 50 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge and welcomes visitors, by appointment, for tastings and tours. Their stunning château is modeled after Château de la Marquetterie, the home of Champagne Taittinger in Champagne, France.

Rosé Spotlight: Il Poggione Brancato Rosato 2018

If you're a fan of Brunello di Montalcino, Il Poggione is a familiar and respected name. Brunello is widely considered one of Italy's most iconic wines and Il Poggione holds a prestigious position as one of the original three producers of this elegant Tuscan red. Yes, Brunello is a serious wine and Il Poggione brings that same level of precise and authentic winemaking to their fantastic rosè, Il Poggione Brancato Rosato 2018 ($20).

I tasted Brancato for the first time two years ago when I interviewed Il Poggione winemaker Alessandro Bindocci. I still chuckle when I remember Alessandro describing rosé as "fruit juice for grown-ups!" Even a serious winemaker like Alessandro recognizes that there is something inherently playful about rosé. Crisp and fresh, Brancato 2018 Rosato is crafted from 100% Sangiovese from young vines. A captivating shade of salmon with tinges of amber, this is no wimpy rosé. Brancato is round and full with balanced flavors of red cherry, orange zest, and ginger. A refreshing apéritif, Brancato is also a great match with seafood, vegetables, and soft cheeses. 

This is a sponsored post but I am a true fan of this wine and all opinions are my own!