Enjoying Wine With Imagination

Last week I had the chance to taste some exceptional wines

and enjoy some beautiful art, at the same time-

when a friend brought over a selection of (8) different selections

from Imagery Estate Winery.

 Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley,

Imagery was started by Joe Benziger,

whose family has been operating Benziger Family Winery

since the early 80s.

His mission: dedication to crafting small quantities

of rare wines from common and  uncommon varieties

and character rich vineyards.

The wines inside the bottles are some of the best 

in the Valley but that alone does not set them apart. 

As the idea for the winery was developing,

Joe met Bob Nugent, a renowned, local artist

who offered to design a label that 

could match the expressiveness of the wine inside.

'Now, more than 20 years later,

 he is the curator of Imagery art collection

commissioning hundreds of international artists

to design one-of-a kind artwork for Imagery labels.'

From the wines to the artwork,

Imagery Wines are the perfect blend

of creative expression, individuality

and imagination.

Here is a taste of what we sampled:

 2006 Imagery Dragonsleaf Red

Tasting Notes:
Fruit from Dragonsleaf vineyard creates a classic blend of traditional 

Rhone varietals that is replete with layers of chalky tannins

 and black fruit flavors. In the 2006 blend Dragonsleaf Red is made up 

of 79% Syrah, 12% Petite Sirah and 9% Cinsault.

2007 Imagery Wow Red

Tasting Notes:
WOW is the best way to describe this eclectic blend.

 The structured body and rusty, rich red of Petite Sirah and 

the well-integrated tannins of Malbec combine to create a wine

 rich with spicy earth flavors. The Wow Red offers aromas

 of pepper and mushroom. In the mouth, 

this wine’s robust tannins are balanced by tastes of tart cranberry,

 blueberry, and cherry. It is a blend truly

 full of surprises: from the aromas of the earth to the robust fruit and dry finish.

2007 Imagery Mourvedre

Tasting Notes:
Medium bodied with layered flavors of blueberry, currant,

 spice and herbs, our Mourvèdre is equally lovely with a meal or on its

 own. French oak barrel aging softens tannins

 and adds complexity to the mouthfeel.

There were others, 2009 Viognier, 2008 White Burgandy,

2006 Tempranillo, 2007 Malbec and 2008 Code Blue,

one just as exciting and expressive as the next.

I invite you to take a look at Imagery Winery

 depending on your proximity, in the tasting room, or online

good wine and beautiful art- 

a beautiful combination that never disappoints.

Cheers!