Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Cabernet Franc Malbec (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $34.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2018
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: Another successful, unique blend from Bench 1775, this time a Cabernet Franc and Malbec concoction which marries juicy, blue and black fruit with savoury, smokey and spicy characters together on the potpourri-scented nose and the generous, full-bodied palate. Refined, mannered tannins linger with a plethora of mild, yet, persistent spices on the long finish. Sealed with a Stelvin cap and ready to go now. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1000 cases
Date Tasted: November 18th, 2018
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: An aromatic and feminine, full-bodied Merlot with a creamy entry on the intense, long-lived palate where flavours of black currant and acai berries pair beautifully with coffee, spice and toasted oak notes. Finishes with waves of wild berry acidity and fine, dusty tannins which strips the creamy texture away leaving a lingering perception of charred spice and sweet pipe smoke.
After 4 years of age (12 months in French oak and 2+ years of bottle age) this Merlot is ready to go now and should hold for another few years if cellared appropriately. Drink now-2021.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2018
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46.5% Syrah (with a 5.5% addition of Merlot) sourced from the Osoyoos area and producing port-like intensity on the nose with pruney blue fruits, molasses and caramel aromas. The dusty-tannin palate is more savoury, with less intense dark fruits supported by layers of black pepper, clove, vanilla and toasted oak. Finishes long and dry with a touch of smoke lingering.
Sealed with a Stelvin cap and ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2017 Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.90
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: November 8th, 2018
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: The new Estate Sauvignon Blanc label is 100% sourced from the winery's Naramata Bench vineyard and meticulously vinified in 5 separate lots (2 of which were aged in oak) prior to blending. Care and attention only rarely awarded to Sauv Blanc in BC.
This new release leans more towards the Loire Valley in profile when compared to the multi-site blends of previous vintages. Less pungency and more laser-focused fruit and minerality, though, a touch of exotic fruit shows on the otherwise, stonefruit and citrusy-peach flavoured finish. Enjoy on its own or as a confident companion to seafood dishes. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2016 Malbec Nouveau (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $TBA
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 26th, 2018
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: Produced like a Beaujolais Nouveau using Okanagan Malbec grapes (a strange sentence to be writing for sure). Candied fruit and spice grace the nose while an off-dry, sweet'n'sour plum sauce palate follows with both jammy mouth-watering textures. Would make an interesting companion to dates and blue cheese. Drink 2018..
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2016 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 900 cases
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A nice example of the Rhone Valley grape showcasing its unique blend of body, crisp citrus backbone, spice and exotic fruit. This year's release is blended with 5% Pinot Gris, sees no oak and is sourced from two vineyards, one along the Naramata Bench and the other near Osoyoos. Finishes long with lingering lemon/lime zest notes and a touch of spice. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery N/V Brut Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Mixed case purchase only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: TBA
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: December 30th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A 50/50 spit of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with an effervescent, light mouse, this non-vintage sparkling wine derives its brassy-orange colour from some skin contact with the Pinot Noir grapes during crush. A touch of mineral and lemon zest show on the dry finish with a pleasant, straight-forward blend of strawberry, cranberry and kiwi fruit on the nose and palate. Would make for a fine Sunday brunch aperitif. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 1100 cases
Date Tasted: September 30th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: Hardly anyone handles Sauvignon Blanc as well as Bench 1775 - a true flagship variety for the Naramata Bench winery. Though there are echos of the Loire Valley and Marlborough, this is wholly BC Sauv Blanc with layers of pungent berries, straw, citrus fruit and ripe'n'crisp orchard fruit. The well-balanced finish is tangy and refreshing with stonefruit, light spice and lingering citrus peel notes. To be enjoyed on its own or as a confident companion to seafood dishes. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Muscat (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $16.90
Alcohol: 13.6%
Production: 480 cases
Date Tasted: May 12th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: Actually a 85/15 split of Muscat and Riesling, respectively, sourced from vineyards in Naramata and from the Golden Mile, this wine is billed as a non-traditional Muscat and that's pretty honest and accurate. The nose is Sauvignon Blanc-ish with citrus, gooseberry, fresh herbs and blossom aromas and even a light hint of Oyster shells. The palate has some body and a nice texture to it with similar flavours (minus the seashells) but with more than a hint of spice and smoke. Definitely unique and offered at a great price. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Malbec (Okanagan Valley) BC
Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: February 24th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: This Okanagan Valley-sourced wine is one of the winery's two regional Malbecs it produced for the 2014 vintage. The variety and vintage are the only characteristics the two wines share, with the Similkameen edition showcasing a robust, full-bodied profile and the Okanagan Malbec presenting a lean, masculine version of the French grape with blue fruits, smoky tannins and meaty tones. A solid pairing for rare to medium-rare steaks. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Malbec (Similkameen Valley) BC
Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: February 13th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: Bench 1775 produces two Malbecs, one sourced from the Okanagan Valley and this one, sourced from the Similkameen which offers a rich and succulent expression of the French variety. Robust, ripe dark berry fruit and supportive savoury-spicy notes grace the engaging nose while similar flavours and a kick of brambly berry acidity grace the full-bodied, silky palate. Finish has length and good balance with a touch of residual alcohol beneath the lingering spice. Ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $29.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.4%
Production: 740 cases
Date Tasted: January 24th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A fruit-forward, flavourful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of Syrah (percentages not published) with a smoky, black fruit nose highlighted by bright, cherry-cola notes. The palate offers smooth, light tannins, mouth-watering, berry acidity and a nice blend of dark berry and lightly-spiced, savoury flavours. Ready to go now. Drink 2017-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Groove (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $19.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 550 cases
Date Tasted: January 19th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A well-priced, entry-level blend of 87% Merlot, 11.5% Malbec and a splash of Cabernet Franc (1.5%) which produced a vibrant red wine with fresh, dark fruit and soft, dry herbs on the lightly perfumed nose and on the mouth-watering, dry palate. A pleasant wave of spice follows the meaty, grape-seedy tannins on the moderate finish. A BBQ/peppercorn steak wine to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2014 Pinot Noir (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $25.90 including taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: January 4th, 2017
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: An earthy-floral Pinot Noir with red fruit notes playing a supporting role on the subtle, feminine nose and the well-balanced, smooth'n'savoury palate. Boasts enough complexity to shine on its own or pair with beefy stews. Drink now-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Syrah (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Sold out. Look for library release direct from the winery here
Cost: $26 (at release)
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: September 6th, 2016
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A fruit-forward, moderately intense, juicy Syrah with light, savoury notes, such as, spicy, cured meats and vanilla-cola adding some depth on the feminine nose and the slightly off-dry, bright-berry palate. Finish is moderate and mouth-watering. Enjoy this Syrah in its youth with sweet'n'spicy, BBQ ribs. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Chill (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $18
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 1640 cases
Date Tasted: August 25th, 2016
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: Percentages of the components were left off this year's specs sheet, but Bench 1775's Chill is a pretty consistent tasting, pleasant, aromatic, off-dry blend of Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Semillon, Guwurztraminer and Riesling. Both plump and mouth-watering textures at play on the Tropical fruit flavoured palate with ample citrus and pineapple acidity and a touch of minerality to balance the residual sugar.
A crowd pleasing white blend for all occasions. Try it with Gruyere or Dubliner cheese and enjoy it in its youth. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Viognier (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.90 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.9%
Production: 180 cases
Date Tasted: July 6th, 2016
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A lovely blend of 85% Viognier, 10% Gewurztraminer and 5% Pinot Gris sourced from Osoyoos and Naramata Bench vineyards with generous orchard and tropical fruit aromas and flavours supported by wisp of mineral notes on the aromatic nose and a mouth-watering, citrus fruit backbone keeping the lush palate in balance. Off-dry and nearly full bodied, though, clean and crisp with a touch of spice and grapefruit on the moderate finish. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Wine club only. Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.90
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: July 28th, 2016
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: Though a familiar blend of New Zealand and Loire Valley styles, the 2015 edition of the Bench 1775 Sauvignon Blanc displays a little less cohesion between the Down Under funk and the steely-French elements than in recent vintages. The nose is lifted and appealing with citrus, straw, green apple and melon aromas followed by a crisp, tangy palate combining citrus, stone and tropical fruit flavours and textures together with light herb and spice notes. To be enjoyed on its own or as a confident companion to seafood dishes. Drink now-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2013 Cabernet Franc cl 214 (Osoyoos) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Wine club only. Contact winery here
Cost: $??
Alcohol: 12.2%
Date Tasted: July 14th, 2016
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: An elegant, sweetly perfumed Cabernet Franc produced from a single clone of the French variety and sourced from the winery's Osoyoos vineyards. Both rich and lively on the palate with refined tannins, concentrated berry fruit, rounded texture, smooth spices, surefooted oak, fresh berry acidity and good length. Drinking beautifully now. Drink 2016-2020.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
Bench 1775 Winery 2015 Glow Rosé (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC
Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.90
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: June 6th, 2016
@Bench1775
Tasting Notes: A truly lovely rosé to experience via its delicate, candied fruit and floral-herb nose and superbly balanced, slightly off-dry, mouth-watering, berry and citrus-infused palate. Salmon-hued and subtly textured, "Glow" is a blend of 75% Malbec, 10.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.3% Syrah and 5.2% Cabernet Franc, produced with minimal skin contact and aged in stainless steel tanks. Finishes long with lingering herb, melon and tangy, tropical fruit notes. Delightful. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
