Red Wine, Red Wine, Red Wine… In my site’s short history, this will be the third Red Wine blend we are looking at.  The Benefactor Cellars’ 2009 Red Wine has deep roots in DnA Vineyards and is attached to wine makers Dennis and Andrea Patton; their past releases through TJ’s I have really liked, particularly both the TJ’s Reserve Medocino Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera. Dennis and Andrea are long time Medocino wine makers, so they know the land, know the people and people know them.  Tom Fish from Wine Spectator says about Dennis: “Patton is as concrete a symbol for modern Mendocino wine as Mondavi is for Napa. Both men are energetic, passionate and unblinkingly outspoken about the place they call home.” …this exactly the kind of wine I want to be trying and look forward to future releases.

The Wine: This blend is comprised of 50% Zinfandel, 40% Syrah and 10% Carignane – so I’m expecting some power and spice behind this wine. Carignane (Carignan elsewhere in the world) at one point was the third most planted grape in California, but this is a grape of yester-year and today is generally used in the production of jug wines due to its very high grape yields. In 1988, it was also the most planted grape in France, but it’s not necessarily known for it’s high quality juice – so France (and California) pulled much of these vines. But don’t discount this grape; here’s a Wine Dork Article exploring a Renaissance and increasing respect for Carignane in California; worth a read. OK this wine has piqued my interest, so how is it?

The Experience: Color – Out of the bottle you are presented a very deep plum purple wine; this wine clearly has some substance to it. Nose- Right out of the bottle I could sense this wine was being constrictive on the nose giving only a little berry and coco components, so I pulled out my new favorite wine pal, my decanter. After 20 minutes or so this wine opened up some to reveal light raspberries, dark berries with an air of mint. Palate- On the first sip, you know this wine is well made; it has decent acid, tannin, fruit and oak balance in the form of a medium-ish bodied wine. With Zin and Syrah providing the backbone, no doubt you’ll pick up a nice amount of spicyness, dark berries, light pepper and distinctive vanilla flavor on the finish. I’d describe the finish as being medium-short and what you should expect from a wine like this. You’re going to want another sip.

The Bottom Line: Buy-A-Case

Dennis Patton has set the bar very high for wines now occupying the $5 price point. This wine is a reflection of both a great wine maker and grapes with a strong connection to their region. I found this wine better than a $10 bottle of Boggle Zinfandel or a more price conscious alternative, but not as robust, as the $10 Tribunal, if you can still find it… What we have here is solid wine within the price reach of almost any wine drinker passing through the doors of Trader Joe’s. Do yourself a favor, buy more than one bottle of this wine, I have a feeling this wine won’t be around too long.

Wine Dork Info:

  • Price: $5
  • Appellation: Medicino County
  • Wine Maker: Dennis and Andrea Patton
  • Cellar: Benfefactor
  • Grape Varietals: 50% Zinfandel, 40% Syrah, 10% Carignane
  • Alcohol: 14.9%
  • pH: 3.78
  • SO2: 78 ppm
  • TA: 5.8 g/L
  • RS: <3 g/L
  • Fining Agent: None
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