Space is filling up for those of you interested in our May 22^nd special blending program. Our exclusive barrel blending of sold out 2009 Sonoma Merlot, we are happy to announce, will be hosted by enologist Bénédictine Rhyne.

Bénédictine’s experience encompasses every aspect of the winemaking process; from working for vineyards in France and New Zealand to experience in wine sales and marketing, she is an authority on wine.

A native of Aix en Provence, France, Béné received her master in oenology (the study of wine) from the Université de Bourgone (Dijon) in 1987. After graduating from University, Béné began to build an impressive and comprehensive wine resume.

In 1988, Bénédictine traveled to West Aukland, New Zealand to work harvest at Matua Valley Wines, the winery responsible for creating the first New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Following her time in New Zealand, Béné moved to England to work in marketing and sales for Berkman Wine Cellars.

In addition to her work in New Zealand and England, Béné first began to hone her wine skills in France under the tutelage of renowned winemaker Jean Claude Berrouet at Chateau Petrus.

Recently Béné developed the “meritage” program for Ravenswood Winery in Sonoma.  During Béné’s time at Ravenswood the company saw a tenfold growth in production.

In 2002, with an array of experience in every aspect of wine, Béné and her husband moved to Texas to start Wine Country Consulting, a company that offers winemaking consulting and lab services to individuals and the wine industry.

Blending Program Details:

Each blender will receive a case of wine from the final blend!  Click Here for more information.

Call: 713-880-3794 to reserve your seat today!

Benedictine Rhyne Interview

Benedictine Rhyne, an enologist who will be hosting Vintners Own Blending Program on the 22nd of May, talks to Wine X Magazine about food, her consulting business and being a woman in the wine industry!

Those who attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wine auction might recognize this video.  Played at the auction, and taking place last year, we’re proud to be hosting our annual grape stomp event again this year in support of the rodeo.  Enjoy the sticky fun!

Vintners Own is proud to congratulate Squire Fridell, our Master Vintner for being awarded 96 points for his estate grown 2008 Syrah, by wine critic Robet O’maoilriain!

Read The Full Review In Sonoma Sommelier Wine Magazine… Some highlights below.

Overall-

A Rhone drinker’s dream come true, this Domestic Syrah captures the classic balance and dark varietal flavors of Syrahs grown in the famous regions of Côte-Rôtie and Cornas (France).  The wine also succeeds at reflecting the unique expression of the tiny mountainside Syrah block where the wine is grown.

Squire Fridell’s obsessive commitment to hands on growing and gentle handling of the ultra sensitive Syrah skins and seeds during fermentation have come to full fruition in his Estate grown Syrah for 2008.  This wine is as focused, muscular and driven as any collectible mountainside Cabernet in the North Bay’s mountain ranges.

Primary Flavors-

Violets, earl gray tea, fresh Pluot™ black centered plums, smoldered black earth, black cola, black mineral, blackberry and raspberry cobbler, briar, Djarum™ black label cloves, white stone, red plum jelly, graphite, dark mint chocolate, flint and coal.

Secondary Flavors-

Cigar box, cinnamon, ink, leather, molasses, vanilla bean custard, smoke, geraniums, cedar box and tamarind.

Classic comparison-

An almost identical comparison would be Côte-Rôtie and Cornas AOC’s with their similar roasted dark earth and mineral spice and primary flavors of violet and plum with this Sonoma Valley Syrah.

Why 96pts? –

1) Classic Varietal flavors of traditional Northern Rhone Syrah.

2) Complete expression of this vineyard with dark mineral, earth, roasted flavors and spice.

3) Focus, intensity and power without being a heavy wine.

4) The long classical finish of an estate wine.

5) Layers of Earth/mineral, fruit and spice.

6)  Harvested at perfect ripeness.

7) Suave and stylish.

Potential ageability based on minerality rather than just oak/skin tannins or acid.

3 bottles tasted, 2 bottles fully reviewed for consistency.

–Robert O’Maoilriain, Wine Critic 3-11-10