Imagery Winery’s
Jamie Benziger Continues Groundbreaking Tradition
Of all the activities we’ve come to cherish over the past year, from hiking to binge viewing, wine tasting may be the favorite. And now, finally, as the wildflowers bloom across Sonoma County, visiting a winery feels akin to landing in El Dorado, even if the hills have yet to turn their famous golden hue. Settling onto a terrace before a flight of estate wines, you’re likely to hope that the afternoon never ends. A pair of sister wineries in Glen Ellen offer just such an experience to bask in the beauty of Spring while tasting unique and memorable wines.
Tasting Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery wines captures the essence of Sonoma County winemaking – experimental, diverse, and forward-thinking. A visit to either winery provides the opportunity to delve deep into history, ecology, and contemporary winemaking with fabulous results. Benziger’s Biodynamic growing practices have crafted high quality wines for forty years. The first Biodynamic wine released by Benziger 20 years ago, Estate Grown Tribute, received a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for its 2017 vintage. And the accolades extend across the portfolio, as several other Benziger wines routinely receive scores over 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.
At the winery, the Benziger tasting experience takes place on a terrace surrounding a historic live oak, its gnarled trunk emblematic of the rugged elegance of the Sonoma Mountain estate. The Outdoor Seated Estate Tastings, complimentary for wine club members, are offered in this bucolic setting from Thursday to Monday. Guests seeking a behind-the-scenes experience shouldn’t miss the oft-awarded Benziger Private Tribute Tour, an insightful exploration of the vineyards and winemaking process, which culminates in a seated tasting. The tour illuminates Benziger Family Winery’s holistic philosophy – which is brought to life by the sweeping views, ample wildlife, and grazing sheep along the way!
Gruet Winery
2012 Blanc de Blanc American
This classic Blanc de Blancs is refined and elegant, and is a reflection of the Gruet style perfected at Gruet et Fils, our original winery in Champagne. Our Blanc de Blancs vintages have consistently received accolades and awards from international wine competitions around the world. Aged for a minimum of 3 years en tirage, this world-class Blanc de Blancs achieves a quality unmatched by any other vintage Blanc de Blancs in its class.
Winemaker's notes:
Vintage: 2012
Varietal: Blanc de Blanc American
Appellation: New Mexico
Flavors of apple, pear, and candied lemon peel dominate the nose. Nicely balanced with nutty and complex bread dough aromas. Enjoy with mushrooms, seafood, and smoked salmon.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Monticello
Price: $55.00
Trump Winery
2015 Blanc de Noir Monticello
This Viognier is crisp, refreshing and slightly sweet with a beautiful mouthfeel. Balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavors of pear and guava complete the palate. Great accompaniment to any food or enjoy on its own!
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: 100% Viognier
Appellation: Catie's Corner, Russian River Valley
Price: $38.00
Darjean Jones
2019 Viognier EnVie
The color of this wine entices with its pale pink hues. On the nose, aromas of floral jasmine and Alpine Strawberry aboutnd. After the wine eases over the palate, flavors of ripe strawberries and Bartlett pears become readily apparent. The finish boasts notes of clover honey accented by a refreshing minerality. Much in the French style, this Rosé delivers just a suggestion of color, but follows with an abundance of complexity and flavor.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2020
Varietal: 83% Syrah, 17% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Kelsey Bench AVA, Lake County CA
Price: $17.99
Dancing Crow Vineyards
2020 Rosé of Syrah Lake County
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Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Price: $30.00
Jeff Runquist
2018 Syrah Three Way Vineyards Paso Robles
Breathe in the aromatic ripeness of black cherry, cassis and
boysenberry. This full-bodied wine integrates (an ample/a vast)
amount of ripe black fruit with vanilla, cinnamon spice, sweet
tobacco and savory notes of leather with hints of cedar. The 2018
Cabernet Reserve is rich and complex wine supported by velvety soft smooth tannins, making this wine easy to drink upon release but will offer even more rewards after a few years in your cellar. Simply put – just a classic awesome Cabernet!
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Paso Robles
Price: $55.00
Lightpost Winery
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
2016
Solstice Blend
$47.00
2018
$20.00
Cabernet Sauvignon
2015
$85.00
Tribute Blend
This Late Harvest Chardonnay expresses all the classic elegance and character of Sonoma-Cutrer in a rich and succulent wine. This wine is incredibly lush and viscous with sweet richness and buttercream feel that is balanced by Sonoma-Cutrer’s classic crisp acidity. Fruit flavors of bright peach, pear and apricot mingle with notes of brown sugar and pure honey.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Price: $36.00
Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards
2018 Late Harvest Chardonnay
Showcasing a deep cardinal red hue, our bold Reserve Pinot offers delightfully cool earthy scents at first swirl. Star anise and menthol tobacco present the cool side to start, while subtle under-tones of cola and clove warm it back up again. The palate does not disappoint, with sharp cherry, balanced baking spice, and a little horehound candy rolled in to round off the flavor profile. Slightly earthy tones of mushroom come forward as it opens. Full of surprises, this wine offers the best of both worlds, starting strongly and finishing with a lovely mildness lingering on the palate.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Ammons Horn
2018 Pinot Noir
"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
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Aromas of white flowers such as gardenia and honeysuckle combine with fresh lemon scent. Upon first taste one is immediately pleased with the round, full texture that vibrantly displays the orange blossom and tangerine flavors found on the palate. A bright acidity and limestone minerality help to showcase all of the positive features of this Chardonnay while the clean finish is the bow that ties it all together.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
Price: $36.00
Materra - Cunat Family Vineyards
2019 Chardonnay
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"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
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In the glass, 2018 Marianna shows densely layered aromas of ripe black cherry, concentrated blackberry, and black plum. In the mouth, the wine shows black cherry, freshly ground espresso, and the darkest dark chocolate, layered among supple, well-structured tannins. The length finish offers a touch of pipe tobacco and barrel char. Enjoy this stunning red blend with pan roasted filet served with whipped mashed potatoes and balsamic glazed asparagus.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) Merlot (15%) Malbec (3%) Petit Verdot (2%)
Appellation: Napa Valley
Price: $50.00
Michael Pozzan Winery
Marianna 2018 Red Wine
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"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
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Grapes were picked by the Winemakers in Fallon, Nevada (Churchill Vineyards), Silver Springs, Nevada (Nevada Automotive Test Center Vineyard) and at the UNR Test Vineyard in Reno. Separately fermented at the Winery in Reno in Stainless Steel tanks then combined to create this bone dry Nevada Riesling. This wine is graceful, delicately balanced and classic with aromas of flowers and tropical fruit and flavors of citrus, peach, apricot and apple. Enjoy with fish and pork, as well as spicy Thai, Chinese and Indian cuisine.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: Dry Riesling
Appellation: Nevada
Winemaker: Alynn Delisle and Mike Steedman
Nevada Sunset Winery
2019 Dry Riesling
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"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
Learn More
"Come home, you coward" was Antonia Bartholomew's message to her husband Frank, a war correspondent for the United Press during WWII. While he was under enemy fire in the Pacific, she was working to establish their first vineyards, and she had no doubt which of these was the most perilous. He probably had a different view. This wine is our tribute to him, an expression of the best that their historic property, now ours to nurture, has to offer. This inaugural vintage is richly textured. It has a complex nose, with of notes of vanilla and sandalwood. The palate is bursting with ripe blueberry and cassis flavors, leading to a long, elegant finish.
Tasting notes:
Vintage: 2018
Varietal: 70% Syrah + 30% Cabernet
Appellation: Carneros
Price: $62.00
Bartholomew Estate Winery
2018 Press Release
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Benziger’s Wine Clubs offer an array of opportunities to celebrate the results of this Biodynamic winemaking process and share the excitement of new harvests as well as well-aged favorites. The Benziger Family Club features the widest variety (13 bottles per year) including Estate Grown Tribute, the multi-award-winning Bordeaux-style blend. For red wine enthusiasts, there’s the Partners Club, which highlights Benziger’s red wines, ranging from Pinot Noir to Bordeaux blends. The Pinot Cellar Club surveys all vintages of Pinot, while Club Paradiso is a white wine lover's 'paradise' as the name suggests, sharing releases from both Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery.
Imagery Estate Winery, also known for its award-winning wines, has been selected as “Golden State Winery of the Year” at the California State Wine Competition 4 different times. The 2014 Cabernet Franc also took home “Best of California Red.” The 2018 Cabernet Franc is also a standout, and recently scored Double Gold at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. Alongside the wines, second generation winemaker Jamie Benziger has continued to trailblaze in the footsteps of her family since taking over the reins in 2015. In 2019 she was “overwhelmingly awarded” Best Woman Winemaker at the International Women’s Wine Competition and has been listed among Wine Enthusiast’s list of 40 Under 40 Tastemakers.
At Imagery’s tasting room, seated Estate Tastings are available from Thursday to Monday. The 45-minute tasting, limited to six guests, showcases five small production wines unlike any others you’ll likely taste in Sonoma County. Imagery is a celebration of the uncommon varietals that can be successfully grown in this region. The theme of uniqueness even carries through to the wine labels, as the winery commissions artists to create one-of-a-kind artwork for each new vintage of every wine. Imagery’s Club Members delight in this fusion of fine wine and art, while they enjoy allocations of new releases, complimentary tastings at the winery, and many more benefits, too.
Imagery’s club memberships provide several options to explore the vintages of this unique winery. Imagery Club members receive two annual 6-bottle shipments of new releases that are hand selected by Jamie Benziger herself. A more specialized option, Club Avant-Garde concentrates on single varietals, “artistic blends” that represent “the pinnacle of creative vision” from the winemaker.
Club members and first-time visitors alike love relaxing among Imagery’s casual ambiance, yawning oak trees, and bocce court. In addition to savoring the tasting menu and charcuterie, soon you will be able to purchase a bottle to enjoy while settled upon a blanket on the great lawn. And you’ll want to make sure to take time to admire the artwork from the current releases, which is on display throughout the tasting room.
In these existential times, a winery celebrating two decades of Biodynamic farming may appear less important, that is until we realize that this effort engendered a revolution of sustainable growing practices throughout the Northern Californian wine industry. We also enjoy the opportunity to herald the emergence of a winemaker who is leading a new generation of women in what was once an exclusively male vocation. The quality of the wines and the beauty of these estates is a case for embracing the interconnectedness of the earth’s bounty and each other.
Visit the Benziger Family Winery or Imagery Winery website to order wine, join a wine club, or schedule a tasting.
SPONSORED BY:
2015 Tribute
2016 TRIBUTE
2017 SUNNY SLOPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 SUNNY SLOPE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2016 SOLSTICE
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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2020 ALEATICO ROSÉ
IMAGERY BRUT ROSÉ
2019 WHITE BURGUNDY
2018 CABERNET FRANC
2019 CODE BLUE
2017 MALBEC UPPER RIDGE
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Imagery Winery’s Jamie Benziger Continues Ground-breaking Tradition
2019 WHITE BURGUNDY