e s t a t e w i n e r y

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WINE CLUB NEWSLETTERF a l l 2 0 2 0

dear club members,

J a m i e B e n z i g e r

First and foremost, we want to take a moment to wish you, your family and friends health and wellness during this trying time. We appreciate your continued loyalty and support in 2020. With new challenges and changes affecting so many lives, we find a new sense of community bringing us together (virtually) more than ever!

Over the past few months we have been adapting the best way we can at the winery, offering virtual happy hours, live tastings on Instagram, and are focused on staying positive and finding the silver linings in these situations. One thing is for sure, wine certainly helps!

We are currently in the midst of harvest season, and it brings a renewed energy to the winery! This year we are saw an earlier start to harvest at our Upper Ridge Vineyard after dry winter and spring seasons. Warmer weather in July attributed to growth taking off and we have a healthy-looking crop. Our winemaking and production teams are working hard, and we are enthusiastic about the future 2020 Vintage. We are even more excited to share the Wine Club selections for Fall 2020! We hope you able to enjoy these wines with family and friends throughout the holiday season.

Cheers,

Imagery’s Viognier is sourced from the cool climate of the Russian River Valley, where long hang times result in a wine with concentrated f lavors. Delicately perfumed citrus, fresh white peach and honeysuckle notes are complemented by a bright acidity and refreshing finish, creating a brilliant food pairing wine.

2 0 1 9 V I O G N I E RP R A T T V I N E Y A R D | R U S S I A N R I V E R V A L L E Y

I N T H E C E L L A R Drink now

L A B E L A R T I S T A n i l a Q u a y y u m A g h a | I n d i a n a p o l i s , I N

T A S T I N G N O T E S

Retail: $29 Club: $23.20

Alc. 14.3 % T.A. 6.4 pH 3.41 648 Cases

A C C O L A D E Gold | 90 points - Sunset International Wine Competition

Expressive blackberry and anise notes from our 2017 Cabernet Franc immediately captivate and dazzle the senses. An alluring fruit forward entry gives way to chocolate and sweet tobacco notes. Integrated oak cultivates an elegantly styled wine with textured tannins that will soften overtime.

2 0 1 7 C A B E R N E T F R A N CS O N O M A C O U N T Y

I N T H E C E L L A R Drink now or cellar up to 6-8 years

L A B E L A R T I S T G u i l l e r m o G a l i n d o | O a k l a n d , C A

T A S T I N G N O T E S

Retail: $49 Club: $39.20

Alc. 14.9 % T.A. 5.8 pH 3.69 741 Cases

A C C O L A D E Best of Class, Gold | 94 points - International Women’s Wine Competition

Known for its richness and intensity without overpowering the palate, the 2017 Petite Sirah lives up to its reputation. Sourced from Shell Creek, one of our longest grower relationships, this wine presents ripe raspberry and blackberry layered with pepper and black tea. A concentrated yet inviting wine, displaying a silky mouthfeel with extraordinary finesse on the finish.

2 0 1 7 P E T I T E S I R A HS H E L L C R E E K V I N E Y A R D | P A S O R O B L E S

I N T H E C E L L A R Drink now or cellar up to 8-10 years

L A B E L A R T I S T S h a n n o n A m i d o n | P o r t l a n d , O R

T A S T I N G N O T E S

Retail: $45 Club: $36.00

Alc. 14.8 % T.A. 6.3 pH 3.67 1227 Cases

A C C O L A D E Gold | 90 points - San Diego Wine Challenge

Brilliant aromatics of sweet blueberry, raspberry and plum are intertwined with highlights of cedar and white pepper. A pleasant lift in the mid palate mingles with a hint of clove on the finish. This Malbec, rich in luscious fruit, is excellently balanced with sleek and graceful tannins.

2 0 1 7 M A L B E CU P P E R R I D G E V I N E Y A R D | P I N E M O U N T A I N - C L O V E R D A L E P E A K

I N T H E C E L L A R Drink now or cellar up to 8-10 years

L A B E L A R T I S T J o h n W a l k e r | S o u t h B r i s t o l , M E

T A S T I N G N O T E S

Retail: $45 Club: $36.00

Alc. 14.9 % T.A. 5.9 pH 3.64 905 Cases

A C C O L A D E Platinum | 94 points - San Diego Wine Challenge

Opulent illustration of aromatics entices the nose of our 2017 Sonoma County Barbera. Rich and animated on the palate, this wine showcases exhilarating layers of dark cherry preserves and blueberry cobbler. A vibrant acidity harmonized with soft tannins produces an impeccably structured wine.

2 0 1 7 B A R B E R AS O N O M A C O U N T Y

I N T H E C E L L A R Drink now or cellar up to 4-6 years

L A B E L A R T I S T W a r d S c h u m a k e r | S a n F r a n c i s c o , C A

T A S T I N G N O T E S

Retail: $42 Club: $33.60

Alc. 15.0 % T.A. 7.0 pH 3.36 1036 Cases

The 2017 Upper Ridge Lagrein combines richness and delicacy. This deeply hued and full-bodied wine features plum, blueberry and black raspberry aromas. Lingering hints of spice appear on the palate with a spry acidity, highlighting complexities that create an exceptional food pairing wine.

2 0 1 7 L A G R E I NU P P E R R I D G E V I N E Y A R D | P I N E M O U N T A I N - C L O V E R D A L E P E A K

I N T H E C E L L A R Drink now or cellar up to 8-10 years

L A B E L A R T I S T M o n i c a D e n e v a n | S a n F r a n c i s c o , C A

T A S T I N G N O T E S

Retail: $45 Club: $36.00

Alc. 14.5 % T.A. 7.5 pH 3.56 508 Cases

A C C O L A D E Best of Class, Double Gold | 97 points - Sunset International Wine Competition

I m a g e r y E s t a t e W i n e r y | 1 4 3 3 5 H w y 1 2 | G l e n E l l e n , C A 9 5 4 4 2 | w w w . i m a g e r y w i n e r y . c o m | 8 0 0 . 9 8 9 . 8 8 9 0

vintage notesDuring winter and spring we had record-breaking rainfall - 75 inches. After the wet start the vines

developed at rapid growth. We endured four heat waves before the berries fully changed color. We did not pull leaves around the fruit as we normally do, keeping the clusters shaded from the intense summer heat. The vintage finished late with overall fruit forward wines with nice acidity. All of our white varietals, and roughly 90% of our red varietals, had been harvested before the October fires.

The 2019 growing season started with above average rainfall at all the vineyard properties, causing slow budbreak and vigorous canopies. More passes were necessary in the vineyards to keep ahead of the high mildew pressure, and we made it through with f lying colors. Flowering took longer than normal resulting in a light Pinot crop. Luckily, this was exclusive to Pinot, and other varieties sized up well! Weather was a bit inconsistent throughout the season leading to longer hang times. Overall, the result was juicy and concentrated fruit creating wines with ripe aromas and f lavors.

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virtual private happy hourvirtual private happy hourWe are pleased to announce our latest offering, a Virtual Private Happy Hour hosted by Jill Benziger. From the comfort of your own home, join Jill in tasting 4 wines from Benziger Family Winery or Imagery Estate Winery. Wines will be shipped to your home prior to your event, the cost of which is included in the package. Unwind and connect with friends and family near and far from the comfort of your own home!

Available: Tuesday - Saturday | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Approx. 45 mins

Contact us at events@benziger.com or call (707) 935-3010