2023 Benom Wines Les Deux Frères

Based on 63% Grenache, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13% Syrah, the 2023 Les Deux Freres was aged 18 months in 85% neutral oak and 15% new French oak. It offers lots of Cabernet character on the nose with darker currants, leafy herbs, cedar pencil, and spicy nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate with the larger Grenache component showing, it has a round, supple, sexy mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I always love these wines from the Fabre brothers Arnaud and Guillaume. Their Benom releases pull primarily from Paso Robles (Willow Creek and Adelaida) with additional fruit from the San Luis Obispo Coast and Edna Valley. The lineup includes one white, Contrast, a Chardonnay-based blend with a splash of Sauvignon Blanc raised in a mix of neutral and new French oak and concrete, and a range of reds: Origin is pure Cabernet Sauvignon, Les Deux Frères is Grenache-driven with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Syrah, Lapsus is close to an even split of Graciano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvèdre, Muze is Mourvèdre dominant with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Hoc is led by Carignan with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and Reflet is nearly an even split of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Most spend about 18 months in French oak with varying percentages of new wood, and components for some wines see neutral oak or concrete. The wines are impeccably made and age-worthy.