Wine of the Moment, 2005 Bennett Lane Maximus

If you follow Napa Valley's Route 29 north to Calistoga, and then keep going just 2 1/2 more miles you'll arrive at the pinnacle of the Napa Valley. This is the northernmost wedge where the Vaca mountain range meets the Mayacamas range and where you'll also find Bennett Lane Winery, sitting snugly at the edge of its own beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.

Owners Randy and Lisa Lynch purchased the property only five and a half years ago, but Bennett Lane is already making a name for itself with its lush textured Cabernet Sauvignon and the no-nonsense red wine varietal blend Maximus, composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The winery has garnered an incredible thirteen 90+ Point Scores from Wine Spectator in four short years and produces an amazing line up of both red and white wines.

The best deal in the Napa Valley, with Wine Spectator calling the 2005 release of the Maximus an "Outstanding Value" and with even more Cabernet in this blend than ever before, this deal has gotten even sweeter! The current blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 11% Syrah. The wine opens with aromas of dark cocoa, plum, ripe black cherry and subtle hints of vanilla. On the palate you get black cherry, plum, blueberry and subtle layers of cinnamon, nutmeg and cedar. With elegant, velvety tannins that enhance the mouthfeel, the wine has a long fruit driven finish and pairs well with practically everything, especially the Maximus Lamb Burger recipe this week!

Wine Spectator says 90pts: Firm, rich and intense, with ripe, vivid blackberry and wild berry fruit and a mix of currant and raspberry. Keeps a tight focus on the long, layered finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2013. 7,000 cases made. –JL

$35.99

Look for the Napa table on Tuesday night at our Swirl Uncorked event and get a taste of the Maximus as well as the other amazing wines by Bennett Lane and Nine North Wines!

Swirl Uncorked, Tuesday September 22 at the Degas House

We are taking our Tuesday night tasting on the road this evening as our friends at Uncorked Wines will be presenting an exclusive Swirl tasting of their portfolio of wines at the historic Degas House on Esplanade (see info below). The event will feature over 40 wines from importers and producers including Kermit Lynch, Peter Weygandt, De Maison Selections, Bennett Lane, Nine North Wines, Bottled Poetry, Barnard Griffin and more. Chef Daniel Esses will join us as well with his infamous small plates. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to taste wines from one of the best portfolios in the city!

Reservations and prepayment are required for this event, attendance is limited Please call 504.304.0635 to reserve your spot. $10, $15 at the door if space is available.

The historic Degas House is the only home or studio of Degas anywhere in the world that is open to the public, beautifully restored and located on majestic Esplanade Avenue just eleven blocks from the French Quarter at 2306 Esplanade Avenue. Free, lighted and secured parking is available at the Musicians' Union Bldg., 2401 Esplanade Avenue.