2022 Benmar Into the Fog Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Greg Bybee's love affair with wine began amidst the storied vines of Rochioli Vineyards, where he honed his craft alongside industry legends. From the sun-kissed hills of California to the prestigious halls of the Culinary Institute of America, Greg's journey has been one of unwavering dedication and boundless passion. Benmar, named for his beloved children Bennett and Marecca, represents the culmination of a dream years in the making.The photo is by his wife, Jen, and captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest.

This exceptional wine is a blend of grapes from two prestigious vineyards. The first, Hollis, sits atop the Chehalem Mountain AVA at approximately 1000 feet elevation. Above renowned wineries like J Christopher and neighboring Flâneur, Hollis produces grapes of exceptional quality. The second vineyard, nestled in Dundee Hills AVA, is surrounded by esteemed producers like Alexana and Nicolas-Jay. These vineyards, each boasting high ratings and price tags, contribute to the unique terroir of Benmar Into the Fog Pinot Noir.

Crafted with care and attention to detail, only 100 cases of Benmar Into the Fog Pinot Noir were produced. Each bottle represents a labor of love, a testament to Greg's unwavering commitment to quality. With accolades rivaling the likes of Domaine Serene, this wine is not just a sip but an experience to be savored for years to come.

Aging: 18 months in 40% new French oak

100% Pinot Noir. Delicate notes of wild berries dance upon the palate, intertwined with whispers of oak and a hint of spice. This wine, aged for 18 months in 40% new French oak, boasts a complexity that rivals the finest offerings of the valley.

A pretty lucid red with red brick hues. A bit reserved in the nose, but with aeration, it begins to open up, showing crunchy red apple skin, fruit, and pine forest notes with elegant cedarwood and brown baking spices. Medium-bodied with assertive granular tannins and a bright core of crunchy salty minerality framing buoyant fruits of pomegranate and black cherry laced with clove. An impressive effort for this first vintage by winemaker Greg Bybee.The wine is named after his children, Bennett and Marecca, and the image on the front label was taken by his wife, Jen. As the name suggests, it has a freshness and lift courtesy of the Willamette Valley's fog-drenched days and cool nights. Sourced from Hollis vineyard, which sits at the top of the Chehalem Mountain AVA, roughly 1,000 feet, and delivers those assertive tannins, while a site in the Dundee Hills AVA, situated between Alexana and Nicolas-Jay, supplies the remaining fruit.Wädenswil, Jackson, and 777 Pinot Noir clones were fully destemmed, then underwent a 72-hour cold soak, with pump overs and punch downs, pressed and settled for 8 days before going to barrel. 10-month elevage, then barrel to barrel racking for additional 6 months of elevage.~95 Decanter 

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