Reviews & Ratings

2005 Matanzas Creek Merlot "Bennett Valley"

Winery: Matanzas Creek

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Bennett Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 3% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Bennett Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $35

Cases produced: 5,537

KWG Score: 87.3 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (88)

Review date: December 15, 2008

Wine Review: This bright ruby red colored wine opens with a plum like bouquet with hints of campfire. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied and balanced with nicely integrated acidity. It is a very easy to drink wine with fruit forward sour cherry flavors with a touch of light oak and a dash of pepper. The finish is dry and its tannins linger slightly. This is a very approachable wine to enjoy this winter with comfort food like coq au vin or shepherds pie. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Color: Garnet red. Nose: A collection of fresh herbs, including thyme, sage, and clove with hints of hawthorn and quince followed by dark boysenberries and cherries. Flavor: Blackberry and moist earth notes coupled with clove, pepper and quince give this wine exceptional balance and soft tannins.

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