“Long cool mornings, followed by warm, sunny afternoons, make this AVA an ideal spot for ripening Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Directly influenced by two distinct wind gaps in the coastal ridge lines, the Pacific Ocean’s cooling influences funnel into the valley and become trapped in what amounts to a “geological bowl”. The confluence of these unique situations is what separates Bennett Valley from its neighboring areas within Sonoma Valley.”
— Justin Harmon – Winemaker, Argot
Post-Prohibition
Bennett Valley wines are indeed distinctive. With our early morning summer fog, cool marine breezes and mountain benchlands, the wines of this appellation deliver the best of what can be achieved from cool climate winegrowing. While winegrapes in the area date back to the 1800s, the region’s potential remained untapped until the mid -1970s. At that time, a handful of modern viticultural visionaries embraced the notion that cool climate varietals would thrive here and under careful guidance produce wines to rival the best from the old world. Largely due to the efforts of these individuals, the wine cognoscenti recognized Bennett Valley as a valley that was synonymous with exceptional Merlot and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Rhone Wave
When a wave of interest in Rhone varietals swept across California in the later 1990s, local growers found that Syrah above all others expressed the unique climate and the terrain of our “valley in the mountains.” Dark fruits abound in the nose and on the palate but it is subtle spice, savory meats, rich tapenade and spring flowers that distinguishes Bennett Valley Syrah from other regions. Nuance and complexity, Syrahs from this appellation are reminiscent of the wines of the Northern Rhone region of France. Rhone whites (Rousanne, Marsanne and Viognier) have also found a home in Bennett Valley. These varieties produce wines, often proprietary blends, with remarkable acidity and richness.
More Recently,
As new vineyards are planted and existing vineyards are replanted or converted, Pinot Noir acreage has steadily increased. Pinot Noir only reveals its subtle brilliance under certain conditions and a long cool growing season is one of the keys to this tricky varietal. Winemakers are sourcing Bennett Valley fruit and vineyard designated wines are beginning to appear. Growers and winemakers alike expect great things from this region as these newer plantings come of age.
Crisp Whites
While red wines from Bennett Valley are highly regarded, it is perhaps the white wines that best demonstrate the impact of our cool climate and commitment to “sense of place.” Despite their significant varietal differences, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and White Rhones grown in Bennett Valley share one common feature. They all maintain natural acidity levels that come from a long growing season marked by afternoon and morning fog. Often described as complex, structured, crisp, and bright, these are white wines that reflect the characteristics of their respective varietals but also demonstrate their cool climate origins.