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This wine begins with a powerful nose that leads with rich Bennett Valley grown Syrah. Black cherries, boysenberry and vanilla prevail on the palate. The Merlot fruit contributes a slight hint of smoke, resulting from basalt, an ancient ocean floor rock found in Bennett Valley soil. The concentration and intensity of Bennett Valley-grown Merlot provides for an exceptionally full mid-palate and what Winemaker Francois Cordesse refers to as a uniquely long Cudali, translated as a ‘finish that continues well after the wine is swallowed.’

This Merlot is a blend of more than twelve individual blocks within Jackson Park. Supporting Winemaker Francois Cordesse with the selection of these twelve blocks was Pierre Seillan, the renowned consulting winemaker who led the planning, development and planting of Jackson Park in the mid-1990's. The final blend of this hand-selected Merlot offers a vibrant plum, slightly spicy nose that leads into red cherry and black fruit flavor. The Bennett Valley fruit contributes a slight hint of smoke, resulting from basalt, an ancient ocean floor rock found in Bennett Valley soil. Also present are notes of both chocolate and cedar complementing the vibrant fruit flavor. Similar to each of our Estate-grown Merlot wines, the concentration and intensity of Bennett Valley-grown Merlot provides for an exceptionally full mid-palette and, what Francois refers to as a uniquely long Cudali, translated as a ‘finish that continues well after the wine is swallowed.'

Our 2002 vintage wine, analogous to the two preceding vintages, boasts concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon fruit softened by the addition of Merlot and the prudent use of French oak barrels. In addition to the Cabernet Sauvignon's black fruit and violet flavor, the signature red berry character of Bennett Valley Merlot is evident in both the nose and the mid-palette. With proper storage this wine will be enjoyed for the next ten years.

The quarter-decade tradition of crafting fruit forward elegant Chardonnay continues at Matanzas Creek Winery with our 2003 Chardonnay. Our vineyard management and winemaking teams collaborate to select and blend blocks within a diverse collection of Sonoma County vineyards. Fruit from Sonoma County's newest American Viticultural Appellation (AVA) – Bennett Valley – is blended with complementary fruit from the prestigious Sonoma Valley and Carneros regions.

A nose comprised of soft floral character, a hint of lemon, and clean summer air are followed by bright, yet complex, fruit flavor. Citrus fruit prevails, leading with pink grapefruit and bright yellow lemon. The Semillon-influenced note of fig and the presence of soft oak, attribute to the rich palate, an attribute often absent from Sauvignon Blanc.

The wine is true to its heritage with deep dark purple coloring and lush blackberry and cherry flavors. A delicious nose packed with toast, chocolate, cedar and pepper. Light tannins soften and gently give way in the finish. This wine is full bodied and will ensure productive aging.

"This wine begins with a luminous straw color, a characteristic that typically indicates an opulent Chardonnay. Crisp green apple and delicate white peach prevail in the nose. After a swirl of the wine glass the nose continues flaunting citrus characteristics, including nectarine and lemon. The palate leads with crisp, clean notes of peach, apricot and pineapple that cleverly integrate into what François describes as a ‘voluptuous mouthfeel’." - Francois Cordesse, Winemaker

This wine begins with a rich, striking nose that brings to life the small percentage of Syrah added to the blend. Bennett Valley Merlot fruit prevails in the palette – bright, vibrant red raspberry fruit complemented by intense black cherry and blackberry fruit. Also evident are sweeter notes of red jam, anise and pomegranate. The Merlot fruit also possesses a slight hint of smoke, resulting from basalt, an ancient ocean floor rock found in Bennett Valley soil. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc fruit prevail in the finish providing structure as well as a hint of spice.