Growing outstanding wine grapes may be mostly in the hands of God and Nature, but transforming them into a superb Cabernet is a matter of art, science and experience. The Benz Family Vineyard has entrusted that task to one of the industry's ablest master winemakers, Sullivan Vineyards' Philippe Langner. The 2003 and 2004 crushes have benefited from maturing in the finest oak barrels available, hand-crafted by Sequin Moreau.

Order our 2003 Cabernet today! The Benz Family Vineyard offering for 2005 is a very special 2003 Cabernet, limited to a release of 1,440 bottles. (Sorry, limit 6 bottles per customer.) Bordeaux-like and firm, this wine has a high tannin level and a hint of vanilla. The magic is in the bottles, and it's ready to drink!

2003 Cabernet Barrel Notes

Barrel	Color	Texture	Tannin	Finish
1	Deep purple	Med. level of acidity, balanced by ripe fruit	Ultra-fine, silky	45 seconds
2	Inky black, lightening at the rim; dark & mysterious	Higher acid content than barrel 1	More grip than barrel 1	Finishes with snap & verve
3	Rouge violet	Sexy, almost sweet	Fruit Dominant	Sustained fruit
4	Deep purple	Med. level of acidity	Ultra-fine, no hard edges	Longest of the four

2004 Cabernet Overview. Lush, ripe and oh so hedonistic, the 2004 Benz Family Vineyards Cabernet is, at this stage in its evolution, showing an embarrassment of rich fruit, with no hard edges. Smooth, silky and sexy - it's a snapshot of a moving picture, but it's juicy and sweet - like biting into a chocolate covered cherry. Essence of mocha and Marzipan, it simply rocks!

Check back on this page in Spring of 2006 for full tasting notes.