A newer spot in the Willamette Valley, Benza is a 25 year old hilltop estate in the Laurelwood District AVA of the Willamette Valley. They produce estate Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rose of Pinot Noir and traditional method sparkling brut. Located 35 minutes from Portland, they are now making a wine from the Walla Walla Rocks District as well that is fantastic.
This is the first time that I tasted the lineup of Benza wines. Located in the new Laurelwood District, the estate vineyard is set on deep Laurelwood soils on top of volcanic Jory soil. I loved the new 2022 Benza ‘Rocks District of Milton-Freewater’ Syrah (OB, 93) which has beautiful umami notes alongside fantastic flavor range. Learn more at https://www.benza.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Benza.
2019 Benza ‘Brut Cremant of Oregon’ Sparkling Wine- The brilliant 2019 Benza ‘Brut Cremant of Oregon’ Sparkling Wine is a delicious new wine made in this slightly cooler year. Granny Smith apple and pear with sour starfruit notes all combine with nutty accents on the palate. Tart and showing a good level of both astringency and richness, this would be a magical pairing for sushi. Only 80 cases made. Drink 2024-2031- 91
2022 Benza ‘Block 2 Reserve’ Pinot Gris- The 2022 ‘Block 2 Reserve’ is a rich and nicely textured new wine that is already showing beautifully. On the nose this shows salted Marcona almond and shades of citrus rind alongside starfruit and Bartlett pear. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth texture. Enjoy this great new Gris now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2029- 91
2022 Benza ‘Rocks District of Milton-Freewater’ Syrah- The really good 2022 Benza ‘Rocks District of Milton-Freewater’ Syrah shows a smooth texture with umami and smoldering stone flavors alongside wild blackberry and shades of green olive tapenade. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next six years to come. Drink 2024-2030- 93