Martha Stoumen, the "new CA" poster child with a dazzling line up of delicious, organic, thought-provoking wines. Benchlands is reminiscent of a Cerasuolo—somewhere between a dark rosé and a light red wine, highlighted by floral aromatics and a bright, fruitful core. This fascinating 6 grape blend from Mendocino justifies the hype. The 2023 shifts toward wild forest berries and darker fruit like blackberries and plum skin rather than bright cherry. It features notes of violets, white pepper, and a tannin structure reminiscent of fine black tea, suggesting this is more suited to immediate consumption than cellaring. Drink chilled. 53% Nero d'Avola, 26% Valdiguié, 16% Petite Sirah, 3% Colombard, 2% Carignan