Bennett Valley
Sonoma Coast
A small, sheltered valley in the shadow of Sonoma Mountain, with the Petaluma Gap funneling cool Pacific air through. The combination of warm days and cool nights produces Merlot of unusual depth and Chardonnay with crisp acidity.
The wines of Bennett Valley are made primarily from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel.
Vineyard Map
Climate
Protected from marine influence by surrounding hills yet cooled by evening fog and wind through the Petaluma Gap, creating significant diurnal temperature variation. This sheltered position results in warmer daytime temperatures than the open Sonoma Coast while maintaining cool nighttime conditions ideal for flavor development.
Terroir
Bennett Valley sits on Franciscan Complex bedrock with overlying volcanic deposits from ancient Sonoma Mountain eruptions, creating well-draining soils with good water retention capacity. The clay loam soils formed from weathered volcanic material provide excellent mineral availability while the underlying fractured bedrock allows deep root penetration and natural drainage.
What it tastes like
Body
Medium
Acidity
Bright
Tannin
Fine
Oak
A touch of oak
Ripeness
Fresh
Concentration
Medium
Medium-bodied and bright, with fine tannin; black fruit, red fruit and a herbal edge, with a taut finish.
black fruit · red fruit · herbal · floral · earthy
Cork's estimate.
Similar styles
Lands in the same glass.
Grapes of Sonoma Coast
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes grow in Bennett Valley?▼
What soils are found in Bennett Valley?▼
Map data: TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)