2019 Bennett Lane Winery Lynch Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Bennett Lane Winery is an homage to the owners’ enthusiasm for Italy and traditional winemaking. After Randy and Lisa Lynch traveled through Italy some years ago they decided to grow their own grapes In Napa Valley. They hired Rob Hunter as consulting winemaker and today make wines with names that reflect their interest in the history of Italy and its wine. Their wines are often named after the various gods of Ancient Roman mythology, such as Athena and Bacchus. The wines often earn ratings in the 90s from reviewers.

Calistoga AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newer appellations, having been given appellation status in 2010. It is notable for its volcanic soil, which is unusual in the Napa Valley. Calistoga also experiences the greatest average 24-hour temperature swing of any Napa Valley AVAs, which Calistoga grape growers insist give the grapes time to “cool down” at night, making for better balanced wines. The 1,500 Calistoga vineyard acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah, along with smaller amounts of other varietals. Calistoga is at the northern end of Napa Valley, northwest of the Diamond District and St. Helena AVAs. Longtime winemaker Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, which is located in the Calistoga AVA, proposed the creation of the appellation.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.