I love what Benmarl Winery is doing these days. They were once the bastion of hybrid wines, and old fashioned packaging. But, today, they are being adventurous with their wines, both as winemakers and in their packaging choices. They are rocking it. General Manager Michael Spaccarelli Jr and Laura Cypress as Winemaker (with Matt Spaccarelli) have driven the program to new heights. I recently tasted their wines at the NY Drinks NY conference last month with Lenn Thompson and Mikhail Lipyanskiy at the Rainbow Room in NYC. I was impressed...more vinifera and across the the line with the overall quality, complexity, flavors, and balance.
Benmarl Seyval Blanc Estate Grown 2018 was light, lively, bright, and fun. Great zippy acidity. Fabulous food wine. Lots of green apple, lemon and lime zest. One of the best Seyvals I have ever had.
Benmarl Dry Rose' New York 2018 is a lovely, soft rose with hints of bright fresh strawberries and lime. Easy drinking, with lovely tropical highlights, very easy quaffer.
Benmarl Baco Noir Rose Estate Grown 2018 was a big bright sour cherry bomb of a rose, with lovely tropical notes, and a big citrus bomb ending, with the cherry lingering. Wonderful
Benmarl Baco Noir Estate 2018 was, as expected, an impressive wine. Dark notes of ripe black cherry, with hints of pomegranate, cassis, and hints of vanilla and white pepper. Cherry flavor lingers in a beautiful way.
Cabernet Franc 2018 was a lovely mix of stewed dark berries, with some petrol and weedy notes, covered over with pencil shavings, lavender, blueberry,, and vanilla. Complex, rich, and beautifully sound, it was an impressive red wine. LOVE!
I love the fact that Benmarl has taken on an extra edgy look with thier new canned wine program. Not just rose, but their crowd pleasing Slate Hill Red and their Chardonnay are also available in tall boy cans as well.
Great job Michael and Laura!