Welcome to the K & J Sessions!

All right, Benz fans--we have started a blog, or an exchange of sorts--by two dedicated Benz employees. On a regular basis, we will be posting conversations about about the wine we collectively try to give you an unbiased and easy to comprehend review (in a past research of a particular wine--which will remain nameless to protect its innocence--an internet review commented that it had scents of "Himalayan mating musk". what the hell is that? and better yet, would you want to drink such a thing?). We will also be sure to mark the wines with a "K & J Seal of Approval" in the store, so you can visit us at Benz and pick up a bottle for yourself.

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January 5th
THIS WEEK'S BOTTLE: VULCI 2004 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET/SANGIOVESE

K: Phoenix Vineyards claims this is the "one of the best wines we've ever made".

J: It's so easy to say wine is ruby red--but it's darker than that.

K: Almost blood-red, which sounds unappetizing for a wine. Like saying "this wine has a rich, o-negative hue".

J: Gross. This wine has lots of rivulets. It really coats the inside of the glass.

K: When I opened the bottle, there was a lot of sediment on the cork and inside the neck. It's been sitting open for about ten minutes--maybe it needs more air. It's 15.2% alcohol! I just read that wines over 14% abv are usually off by 1% because the labels are printed before final bottling.

J: So this could be higher than 15.2%?

K: Apparently. Some people don't like big, alcoholic wine. It's an ongoing debate between wine purists and high-profile wine reviewers.


J: It doesn't smell hot, though. I do smell blackberries.

K: And spicy cinnamon.

J: You can definately smell the oakiness. I'm excited to try this! But you go first.

K: I get good acidity on the tip of my tongue--it's dry, but not overwhelming. Black pepper, a bit of overripe plum...a long finsh that kind of turns into raisin flavors.

J: I agree on the finish. It makes my mouth water. This is an intense wine.

K: Meaty! I suddenly want a steak.

J: Good luck with that.

K: Would you recommend this wine?

J: Yes. To people who like Italian wines and huge Zinfandels A good one for less than $20.

K: I love anything with Sangiovese as a blending grape. I would also recommend a little more time for it to breathe, around 20 minutes. It may help burn off a little more alcohol. I definately like it. It would be good with really rustic, chunky pasta sauce.

J: Absolutely. Pizza, too. Or ribs.

K: And...maybe I should have paid more attention and decanted the wine, because I could almost chew my last drink.

J: Classy.

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If this Vulci domestic blend sounds good to you, be sure to stop into Benz and pick up a bottle for yourself. We can also find you the right pasta sauce in the store to eat with this wine or for your own homemade pizza. And if you've gotten that involved, we have a myriad of cheeses to pair with your dinner or for a simple cheese plate. We will hook you up. Come back and drink with us again sometime!