Today we share one of the newer wine brands out of 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.
Set in the new Laurelwood District, the estate vineyard is set on deep Laurelwood soils on top of volcanic Jory soil. I loved the new 2023 Benza ‘Rocks District of Milton-Freewater’ Syrah (OB, 93) which has very refined Rocks character with Umami tones. Learn more at https://www.benza.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Benza.
2022 Benza ‘Brut Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- Sourced from the Benza Estate Vineyard, this 2022 ‘Brut Cuvee’ offers white peach and juicy Japanese pear notes alongside wet rocks and rich melon notes. The palate is refined and elegant with a silky mousse and marvelous sense of weight and length. Drink 2026-2034- 92
2023 Benza ‘Touch of Gold’ Chardonnay- This 2023 Estate Chardonnay comes from the Laurelwood District and Chardonnay vines 28 years of age. This comes off bright, juicy and neatly-textured with salty nuances. Macadamia nut, lychee and pie crust notes combine with shades of honeydew melon on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 92
2023 Benza ‘Three Tuxedos’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Three Tuxedos’ comes from the Benza Estate Vineyard. This comes off juicy and rich with layers of pretty red fruits with salted orange rind, and shades of bergamot on the palate. Lush and refined, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 93
2023 Benza ‘Symphony’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Benza ‘Symphony’ Pinot Noir offers red rose petals and cardamom dusted cherry pie on the nose. The palate is fresh and nicely textured with loads of juicy red fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 91
2023 Benza ‘Le Soir’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Benza ‘Le Soir’ Pinot Noir is a dense, delicious and very earthy bottling that delivers terrific length. Black truffle shavings and blackberry compote combine with suggestions of black tea and peat moss accents on the palate. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2039- 94
2023 Benza Syrah- Sourced from the Rocks District, this 2023 Syrah offers crushed wet gravel, Hoisin sauce and orange zest flavors that combines with boysenberry compote on the palate. Medium-bodied and fresh, with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2033- 93