Road Trip Part 2

 

You remember the 4 fabulous ladies from last week.  We hit the Anapolis Valley in Nova Scotia and visited Blomidon.  And we continued our journey over to Benjamin Bridge Winery

 

 

I am a huge fan of wines from Benjamin Bridge Winery, so you can imagine what a treat it was for me to visit the winery on Labor Day and meet winemaker Jean Benoit Deslauriers.  Jean Benoit came to Benjamin Bridge in 2008, releasing the increasing popular Nova 7.    He’s worked with some of the greats, including Raphael Brisbois and Peter Gamble, and it is evident in the quality of wines produced from Benjamin Bridge.

Interesting story I learned while visiting Benjamin Bridge.  When they first released Nova 7, they released 200 cases, and this past vintage they released 11,000 cases.  That’s how much it has grown.   I have had this wine twice in the past week, and on both occasions have introduced new friends to what I call ‘Nova Scotia’s signature wine’.   The first time I enjoyed the wine this past week, it was a hot summer evening and Nova 7 proved to be the perfect patio wine.  The second time, again it was enjoyed immensely,  was at dinner, and it complimented the food perfectly.  The effervescence, hint of sweetness and gorgeous flavors of green apples and mango make it the perfect ‘any occasion wine’.

While there, we had the opportunity to try their Tidal Bay.   It was so aromatic and weighty in the mouth, with a tinge of residual sweetness.  It was soft on the palate, and very refreshing.  For new readers, Tidal Bay is Nova Scotia’s own appellation and is a reflection of our terroir.  Many of the Nova Scotia wineries put out a Tidal Bay and this is one of my favorites.  A great wine to go with seafood.

 

One of the biggest treats that day was that we got to taste the 2008 Benjamin Bridge Brut.  It was given an A+ rating, which is the highest rating and only 2000 bottles were released.  Also, we had the 2004 Blanc de Blanc, retailing at $280 a bottle, and it’s completely sold out, so what a treat.  Pure and elegant, this vineyard is producing benchmark bubby wines.

And regular readers of the blog will recognize my favorite.  The Borealis Ice Wine from Benjamin Bridge.  Heaven in a glass.  I feel the cool climates of our region make for perfect conditions for fabulous ice wine, and here’s the proof.   Here’s what head winemaker Jean Benoit had to say on their website about this wine.

“In the glass, a deep golden colour with a subtle orange hue. On the nose, the wine displays a myriad of dried apricot, peach confit and sweet cream. On the palate, the wine is opulent, with notes of honeydew, lemon tart and a hint of caramelized apples. Like its celebrated predecessors from the ’04 and ’07 vintages, this icewine remains surprisingly bright and elegant despite a most decadent personality. Drink now through 2018.” Head Winemaker Jean-Benoit Deslauriers”

A very big thank you to Jean Benoit Deslauriers,and the staff at Benjamin Bridge for a fantastic visit.  I am so very appreciative of your hospitality.

Till next week, Cheers

Darlene