Benziger Zinfandel and Oonapais

We moved on to taste the 2006 and 2007 vintages of Benziger Oonapais Sonoma Mountain Red. The grapes are also estate grown and Demeter-certified Biodynamic, but this is one of the winery’s Bordeaux-style blends. In the 2006 vintage of Oonapais, Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape at 58%, with 17% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot.

The nose and palate were surprisingly soft, with blackberry notes, some mocha and some baking spice. Fourteen months in French oak gave the finish some exotic notes, and I also tasted something buttery or fleshy on the finish.

The 2007 Oonapais showed better acid and structure, which is more my style and showed the fruit to better effect. At the same time, it was more Old World on the palate, with a little bit of earthiness on the palate and more acid and structure.

Both Oonapais blends show the effects of their warm-climate growing region. They offer more soft, dense fruit than firm texture and bright acid, and you’ll like them if that’s your style. There’s no question these wines are meticulously made, but the prices are high enough ($50 for the Oonapais)  to limit their marketablity.

Stay tuned to read about my Benziger favorites, the Obsidian Point Bordeaux blends. Cheers!

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