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TastersGuildNY Bodega Benegas Mendoza Argentina
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TastersGuildNY Bodega Benegas Mendoza Argentina
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Thursday September 17 2009 |
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Speaker: Federico Benegas Lynch, Chief Winemaker & Proprietor, Bodega Benegas
Michel Rolland said “Benagas wines have a strong personality which is the result of a very unique terroir for its quality, and the combination of French and Argentine traditions. Benagas wines are a reflection of Federico Benegas Lynch passion and his constant search for excellence”.
The Benegas Lynch family has a long a tradition in the wine industry of Mendoza. Convinced that it was imperative to achieve excellence in their products, Benegas brought the first French grapevines ever introduced in Argentina, along with the most advanced technology available at the time.
In 1998, Federico J. purchased the old Benegas' family property, where the vineyards are 20 to 120 years old. He started the production of quality wines, fully convinced that he would achieve the level of excellence of his ancestors. This restoration period is the landmark of the beginning of a new era in the Benegas family, who were always devoted to the art of vines from the very roots.
We tasted10 Benegas Lineage Brand, Benegas Grand and Benegas Lynch Brand wines. They all deserved the great press they had received from Parker and Wine Spectator. Chardonnay Clara Benegas 2008 was liked by all. Don Tiburcio Malbec 2005 was the favorite Entry Level Red, Benegas Estate Finca Libertad 2005 was the favorite Premium Red and Benegas-Lynch Meritage placed second. Federico Benegas Lynch has truly produced the quality and excellence of his ancestors.
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| Flight I: White |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Chardonnay Clara Benegas 2008
100% Chardonnay. Light color, no oak, flowery nose, buttery taste. Well balanced. Good acidity.
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Liked by all |
$12.00 |
| Flight II: Entry Reds |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Cabernet Sauvignon Luna Benegas 2006
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 6 months in oak. Fruit forward, sweet tannins, leather, chocolate, green pepper in nose and taste. Full body, little tannin. Elegant. Drink now. |
0 |
$12.00 |
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Juan Benegas Malbec 2007
Deep purple color. Nice fruit on nose. Less wood. Elegant. Balanced, long finish. Limited production. |
0 |
$12.00 |
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Don Tiburcio Malbec 2005
50% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot.
Purple color. Aged for 10 months in French oak. Cedar, clove, cinnamon, black cherry on nose. Medium body and complex on the palate. Opens in the mouth. Spicy fruit and sweet tannins. Elegant. Long finish. Drink for 8 years. Favorite of the Entry Reds. Rated 90 by Parker.
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6 |
$20.00 - $21.00 |
| Flight III: Premium Reds |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Benegas Estate Sangiovese 2006
100% Sangiovese. 55 year old vines. 12 months in French oak. Big nose. Soft. Fruity. Small production. 25% exported. Excellent. |
2 |
$20.00 - $22.00 |
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Benegas Estate Malbec 2006
100% Malbec. 12 months French oak. Purple color. Fruity. Little tannin. Balanced. Long finish. |
2 |
$20.00 - $22.00 |
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Benegas Estate Syrah 2005
100% Syrah. More than 30 year old vines. Aged 12 months in French oak. Pepper, nice fruit in nose. Little tannin. |
1 |
$20.00 - $22.00 |
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Benegas Estate Finca Libertad 2005
34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot. 85 year old vines. Aged 18 months in French oak casks. Good fruit, big nose, balanced, drinkable, complex. Will age. Rated 91 points by Parker. Favorite of the Premium Reds. |
6 |
$45.00 |
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Benegas-Lynch Cabernet Franc 2003
100% Cabernet Franc. Ripe fruit. Big in mouth. Tannin. Pretty, balanced. Only 500 bottles. Special selection from the best new French oak barrels. 80 year old vineyard. |
2 |
$45.00 |
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Benegas-Lynch Meritage
30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 18 months in French oak. Perfectly balanced blend with forward fruit and little tannin. Will age 15 years. Only 3000 bottles made. The second favorite of the Premium Reds.
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5 |
$50.00 |
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