Retail value: $38

Bennett Valley Cellars is a small, family-owned winery located in Sonoma County. Named one of the Top Ten Hot Brands by Wine Business Insider, the winery produces just under 2,000 cases of estate-grown chardonnay and pinot noir. The family also just opened a brand new tasting room this fall on the Sonoma Plaza where you can enjoy their wines.

The 2009 Bennett Valley Cellars Pinot Noir is a blend of two Dijon clones, 115 representing 60% of the blend and 2A representing 40% of the blend. More in keeping with the spirit of purity and integrity this wine is 100% Pinot Noir. The wine was matured in 35% new French oak and 65% neutral barrels for 10 months.

The wine is perfectly balanced, with moderate alcohol, and crisp acidity showing bright fruit flavors. Our 2009 Pinot Noir has an elegant, restrained style, with aromas of cherry, caraway, and beets on the nose, while mineral notes play through the mid palate into a lingering finish. More than being a fruit-forward style of Pinot Noir, the 2009 Bennett Valley has many layers to its structure. It is a wine to linger over after the main course and appreciate slowly over the cheese plate.

http://www.bennettvalleycellars.com/