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Maximus
Varietal/Style: Red blend
Origin: Napa Valley
Vintage: 2005
Winemaker: Rob Hunter
Rating: 14.5/20
Retail Price: $35
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Tasting
Notes: With
loads of bright, vibrant fruit and exotic spices, this voluptuous
wine is highlighted by ripe tannins and balanced by a hint
of oak. With this unique-to-Napa blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot and Syrah, the goal is to marry approachability with
structure. The three varietals in the Maximus—43 percent
Sauvignon, 33 percent Merlot, 24 percent Syrah—are
aged in seasoned oak for eighteen months. A powerful aroma of chocolate,
vanillin and dark berries, followed by cherry flavors, greet
you at the first sip. The wine is a bit hot and needs food like
a spicy sausage dish or barbecue. The long finish unravels
a bit of bitterness. (Date tasted:
1/22/09)
| Profile:
Off the oh-so beaten path of Highway 29 is this welcoming
and unpretentious tasting room where visitors can sample
from Bennett Lane’s wines, including its lush
Cabernet Sauvignons and the highly drinkable and affordable
Maximus, a non-traditional red blend of Cabernet, Merlot
and Syrah. Owners Randy and Lisa Lynch purchased the
property in 2003, choosing Napa because of their love
of Cabernet. Randy’s other great love is NASCAR,
and as an ex-racecar driver he couldn’t resist the
opportunity to make Bennett Lane the first winery to
have a NASCAR team. With the addition of Rob Hunter
from Sterling Vineyards as a consulting winemaker, it
looks like the checkered flag is up for this boutique
winery. There is also a free picnic area that gets especially
busy on Saturdays, when the tasting room staff offers
chocolate and wine pairings.
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