2017 Benom Origin
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Tasting notes
Deep shimmering ruby. Pungent aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, potpourri, pipe tobacco and spicecake, plus a hint of vanilla in the background. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering intense blackberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and licorice, mocha and candied rose accents. Concentrated yet lively in style, betraying no excess fat and showing sharp definition and smooth, polished tannins that lend subtle grip to the impressively long finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Made entirely of cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep ruby colored 2017 Origin offers intense scents of cassis, blackberry pie, mint chocolate, roast coffee bean, dried rose petals, cedar and sweet baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is expressive with spicy red and black fruits and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long, fresh and lifted. This is ready to drink right out of the gate but will age well.
Checking in as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (from the Hawks Hill and Denner vineyards) that was raised 18 months in 60% new French oak, the 2017 Origin is another beautifully pure, polished wine from this estate. Blackcurrants, toasted spice, lead pencil, and hints of tobacco all flow to a medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that has ripe yet present tannins, a focused texture, and a great finish. More of Sonoma-like Cabernet given its focus and minerality, it's going to keep for 10-15 years. Brothers Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre continue to release terrific wines under their Benom Label, and as I wrote last year, these are rich, powerful wines that stay balanced and pure, and they’re well worth seeking out.