2015 Bench Vineyards Circa 64
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The 2015 Circa 64 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot/Petit Verdot meant to pay hommage to Dick Steltzner's brilliant career in Napa Valley. Soft and forward, the 2015 will drink well for at least the next few years. I find it a bit compact, but it is also an early wine for this new label. The 2016 tasted alongside it shows things are moving in a very positive direction.
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First made in 2014 and a blend of 30% Malbec, 30 %Petit Verdot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Circa 64 offers lots of blue fruits, hints of plum, bay leaf, and pepper, in a ripe, sexy, beautifully fruited style. It has a hint of creamy oak, notable purity, and is going to keep for 10-15 years.
The 2015 Proprietary Red Circa 64 is the identical blend, but pops in at slightly higher alcohol because of the short crop and different climatic conditions (14.8% versus the 14.2% of the 2014). This is extremely floral – smelling like a spring flower garden – with blueberry, and red and blackcurrant fruit in the background. The wine has soft tannins, medium body and quintessentially Stags Leap in its personality and moderate weight. This looks to be a beauty, although not yet in bottle, it certainly has plenty of potential.