2016 Benom Origin
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Origin checks in as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 18 months in 50% new French oak. This is just straight-up classic, high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and offers loads of ripe dark fruits, smoked earth, tobacco, and leafy herb aromas and flavors. With medium to full body, terrific mid-palate concentration, and building tannins, it can be drunk today or cellared for 10-15 years. These Benom releases are made brothers Arnaud and Guillaume Fabre. Guillaume is best known for his work previously at l’Aventure and now at Clos Solene and is unquestionably one of the rising superstars in Paso Robles. These are rich, powerful wines that stay balanced and pure, and they’re well worth seeking out.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Brilliant purple. Potent dark berry liqueur, licorice and vanilla aromas, along with a musky touch of cured tobacco. Broad and appealingly sweet in the mouth, offering intense cassis, cherry preserve, vanilla and candied rose flavors that tighten up and take on a smoky aspect with air. Supple tannins frame the finish, which hangs on with impressive, spice-tinged persistence.
The 2016 Origin (which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up notes of creamy cassis, pencil shavings and spice. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, pure and bright, with good acids, fine tannins and a youthfully chewy finish. Ripe but savory, it's a promising wine that I'm looking forward to revisiting.