Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2019, Bench 1775 Winery

Description from the Producer

The fruit for this Australian inspired blend was sourced from the same vineyard in Osoyoos. Picked 12 days apart and fermented and aged separately before blending; the blending of the two results in fruit characters of ripe cherry and, hints of strawberry and eucalyptus. The palate is full of ripe cherry flavors with notes of cassis and plum. The 18 months in 30% new French oak gives the wine structure and balance.
Pair with beef or vegan mushroom wellington, leg of lamb, Smoked Brisket, Spaghetti Bolognese, Korean BBQ and cheeses like guyere, aged smoked goulda, camembert and aged cheddar.

Tasting notes and review by Valerie van der Gracht.

Name: 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah
Geographical Indication: BC VQA Okanagan Valley
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), Syrah (32%)
Vineyard: An Osoyoos vineyard
Alcohol: 14.6%
Residual Sugar: Dry
Volume: 750mL
Cases Produced: 1,750

Appearance: Dark ruby red.
Nose: Bursting with fruit scents of black raspberries, boysenberries and cranberry. Orange with a hint of spice and freshly ground black pepper, following with red apple and banana.
Palate: Complex, robust and boldly ripe and rich. Smooth and lingering. Spicy leather notes on the palate. Rather elegant with pronounced but delicious tannins. Lovely dark fruit lingers in the mouth.

Quality: 91 points. Outstanding. 

Food Pairing: Perfectly suited to a rare steak, a baked potato with butter, sour cream and chopped chives, add some lightly steamed green beans or anything smothered in barbecue sauce would be a hit.

I also enjoyed the wine with a tomato and burrata salad to which I add whatever extras I have on hand, this time that was sliced, fresh Ontario strawberries but it also works with whatever is in season including cooked beets of any colour with blackberries for the extra fruit. Top with a good quality olive oil and a balsamic glaze.

Additional Pairings: Chorizo and Manchego croquettes with smoked paprika aioli and grilled jackfruit and black bean enchiladas with mole sauce.

Decanting: Lengthy to bring out all the flavours and goodness this wine has to offer. My first glass only spent about two hours decanting and it was excellent, after a bit more time it was superb.

Awards:
Bronze - 2021 National Wine Awards of Canada