2016 Bench Vineyards 'Circa 64' Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Stags Leap District Napa Valley

"Bench Vineyards is one of the most exciting new projects in Napa Valley. This is another attractive and promising set of wines from Allison Steltzner's Bench Vineyards. Steltzner draws fruit from several blocks on her Stags Leap property for these wines, which are made by Mike Smith and Bob Pepi, the same team behind the Steltzner Vineyards team. The entire Steltzner vineyards, one of the most historic in Napa Valley, has undergone numerous changes since Jim Barbour took over farming in 2014. My impression is that the best is yet to come. Even so, these 2016s are terrific and also delicious." ~Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Nestled at the base of the iconic Stags Leap Palisades, Bench Vineyards crafts wines that speak to the very soul of Napa Valley. The 2016 Circa 64 Cabernet Sauvignon Blend is a tribute to this legendary region, combining the finest fruits from the Steltzner family’s historic estate.

Bench Vineyards is not your average Napa project. This is decades of passion and expertise. The vineyard sits in a unique ring of hills and mountains that create what’s known as orographic influences—a fancy way of saying the land and climate work together in perfect harmony. These natural forces are what give the Stags Leap District its renowned character, and it's what makes this wine so distinct.

Founded by Allison Steltzner and Sam Sharp, Bench Vineyards is a marriage of the old-world vineyard knowledge Allison grew up with and Sam’s cultured eye for artistry from New York City. Together, they’ve built something truly special.

At the helm of winemaking for is Maayan Koschitzky, a renowned winemaker from Israel who has made his mark in California. He has led the winery with innovation and expertise. With a background crafting wine at prestigious estates like Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle, and serving as director of winemaking for Philippe Melka's Atelier Melka, Maayan's talent is undeniable. Recognized as one of Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2019, Maayan continues to shape the future of California winemaking with his passion and skill.

Maayan works hand in hand with the talented Jim Barbour, a passionate vintner with a rich history of planning and nurturing some of the best vineyards in Napa including the ones behing 100pt Hundred Acre wines, Jim's expertise ensures the utmost quality and care in every grape that goes into our wine.

The 2016 vintage in Napa Valley was absolutely epic! It scored 98 points from Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and Vinous Media.The last one said, "The 2016s are aromatically expressive, nuanced and super-finessed. 2016 has the potential to be one of the finer vintages Napa Valley has seen since 2011."

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot and 25% Malbec. It’s rich, velvety, and luxurious. Imagine biting into ripe red and blue fruits, with layers of plum, cassis, dried currant, and espresso bean washing over your taste buds. The oak is present but never overpowering, lending a lavish mouthfeel that balances the bold fruit beautifully. Firm tannins and a deep sense of the Stags Leap terroir come together to create a finish that’s as smooth as it is complex.

The 2016 Circa 64 is juicy, forward, and undeniably delicious. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cassis, bay leaf, violets, and spice all flow to a plump, opulent red that has excellent freshness and purity. ~91-93 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2016 Circa 64, Bench's Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec/Petit Verdot blend, is gorgeous. Succulent dark cherry, lavender, spice, mint and chocolate all run through this racy yet mid-weight Stags Leap red. The 2016 is pure class through and through. ~92 Vinous Media

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