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Today's Wine Review

2023 Martha Stoumen Red Blends or Varietals "Benchlands"

Martha Stoumen 2023 Benchlands

Winery: Martha Stoumen

Vintage: 2023

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Benchlands"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 53% Nero d'Avola, 26% Valdiguié, 16% Petite Sirah, 3% Colombard & 2% Carignan

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Mendocino

State or country: CA

Price: $34

Cases produced: 418

KWG Score: 91.5 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91.5)

Review date: March 3, 2026

Wine Review: This brilliant cherry candy colored Nero d’Avola based blend opens with a cedar closet and red berry bouquet with hints of peonies and cinnamon. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and a bit zesty. The flavor profile is a red plum, and red berries blend with notes of saline and mandarin. We also detected some hints of pomegranate, spearmint, and cedar in the mix. The finish is dry and its flavors, acidity, and its mild tannins fade away nicely. We would pair this red blend this pan-seared pork tenderloin with a pomegranate glaze sauce. Enjoy – Ken & Mark

Winemaker Notes: This wine welcomes adventure. Reward yourself for your forest-filled findings with the tannin structure of fine black tea, like Ceylon. This field blend of mostly dark-fruited grapes is made in a very light style. It displays flavors of warm spice and wild berries. We return to this team favorite year after year. Drink when you want a Pinot without wanting Pinot. Pair with the delicate flavors of tea-smoked duck.

Buy it: Use Google to find stores that sell this wine

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