2022 Benessere Zinfandel, Black Glass Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley
It opens with bold aromas of boysenberry syrup, fresh plum, and a hint of wintergreen. Earthy notes of wild mushrooms and forest floor add depth to the fruit-forward profile. On the palate, this Zinfandel is rich and velvety, with a lingering finish that showcases its vibrant acidity and well-integrated tannins. A wine of great concentration and balance, it promises to evolve beautifully over the next 5 to 7 years.
The 2022 growing season was blessed by late winter rains that replenished our soil moisture as the vines emerged from dormancy. A cold spring led to a slower start for the vines, but we avoided any frost danger. Summer growing conditions were exceptional, with consistent weather and blue skies ushering in a Goldilocks summer that was not too hot and not too cold. We are thrilled with the quality of the grapes from the outstanding 2022 vintage.
Winemaking
Sourced from our estate’s Black Glass Vineyard, named for the obsidian shards that emerge from the soil after rain, this Zinfandel reflects the unique terroir of our land. Hand-harvested and destemmed, the grapes were fermented in small, open-top fermentors. The wine was gently punched down over 14 days, then aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels for 16 months to balance the fruit’s intensity with subtle oak influences.
Food Pairings
The depth and richness make it a perfect complement to dishes with earthy and savory flavors. Pair it with a porcini mushroom lasagna, where the wine’s bold fruit and earthy notes will harmonize beautifully with the layers of creamy bechamel, pasta, and rich mushrooms. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or wild game highlighting the wine’s robust character.
Specs
Wine Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Appellation: Estate Vineyard, St. Helena
Harvest Date: September 5
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 247 cases
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x - 2022 Benessere Zinfandel, Black Glass Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley
Case:
12x - 2022 Benessere Zinfandel, Black Glass Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley
We are a small, family-owned boutique winery specializing in Italian varietals made in the heart of Napa Valley, where the soil is ideal for growing these types of grapes. Benessere, an Italian word meaning “well-being” or “living the good life”, reflects our dedication to producing incredible wine and our penchant for providing warm, welcoming hospitality.
The property was purchased in 1994 by John and Ellen Benish and they immediately began restoring the vineyards, winery, and residence. In 1995, they produced their first vintage of Sangiovese and the dream was realized.
The Benish family chose to name their winery ‘Benessere’ because it embodies everything they fell in love with on a trip to Italy in the late 1980s. “Living the good life” is what they hoped to bring to their little slice of Heaven here in Napa Valley and so ‘Benessere’ conveys those unique qualities of a wine country lifestyle one can only find here.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
I received a delightful rat notification as I prepared to dogsit for two weeks while my friend and her family were in Spain for the eclipse.
I had already bought lamb chops (the lil tbone ones) and started a marinade (Dijon, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt & pepper). This wine was the absolute perfect match for the already planned dinner, as if the decision had been made in the cosmos. I decanted for a couple hours to open it up before dinner.
In the nose, this has a high alcohol and is leather forward. The mouth feel is lush and rich, spicy but smooth like velvet. The berry comes in at the finish with a bang. The color is a deep and gorgeous red.
Once the lamb was introduced, the dark fruit comes to the front, and is elegant and sophisticated.
The leather note never entirely goes away, but it feels so gorgeous along with the berry, dark fruit, and rich mouth feel.
I enjoyed this so much amd this is an incredible example of an elevated but entirely accessible Zinfandel.
@erisire My wife and I love zinfandels, and your report makes me want to buy a case… Unfortunately our cabinets are full and I ordered 2 cases of the tooth and nail cabernet from last week
My wife doesn’t know, and adding a 3rd “surprise” case would be the death of me…
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2022 Benessere Black Glass Zinfandel - $105 = 34.99%
Hello, everyone! I’m Benessere’s winemaker Matt Reid. Happy to answer your questions about the wine or anything else. I’ve got a glass on hand for inspiration!
Meanwhile, we brought in our second lot of grapes for the 2026 harvest today: Sangiovese destined for a Sparkling Rosato. The juice tastes (and looks) amazing!
I have never had a Benessere wine that I didn’t like. In for a case but happy to split if any in SF or nearby Bay Area is interested. My wine racks are all filled but cannot pass this up.
My cellar is full and I already have some Benessere Cab Sauv. I was very tempted when I first saw it, but after much debate I just can’t swing it this week.
I really really shouldn’t have bought another case of wine, but we do love a good Zin!
@BenessereMatt with the 14.8% alcohol how do achieve the right balance so it doesnt come across hot or “alcoholic” but rather has a moderate balanced finish?
Thanks for being on casemates!
Good question! First, the alcohol is accurate. Legally it could be 1% higher than what’s printed in the label. Long story, but the point is that other wines that state 14.8 might be significantly higher. Second, while alcohol is definitely the principal driver of the hot sensation, it’s not the only factor. The richness of the fruit has a lot to do with the perception, too, as well as the another of the tannins. I try my best!
This one checked all the boxes: a grape I like, a grape I lack, good provenance, old world heritage, small production, winery participation and within my budget! How could I pass it up?
Looks like cases back for Summer hold.
Appropriate order name, given the first rat review. I would love some lamb chops today!
/giphy ashamed-famous-lamb
I went to the Summer Hold many times and finally got a case. BUT, the order details say it will be delivered 8/31? Please make sure this is Summer Hold. I am in Florida let alone the shipping from Calf.
I just pulled the trigger on a summer home case. Salute to WD massaging the split. And, bah! To the enablers! Any other varietal I pass, but Zin it’s more prove to me why not…
Benessere Black Glass Zinfandel
2022 Benessere Zinfandel, Black Glass Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley
Winemaking
Food Pairings
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$636/Case at Benessere Vineyards for 12x 2022 Benessere Zinfandel, Black Glass Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 31 - Tuesday, Sep 1
2022 Benessere Black Glass Zinfandel
3 bottles for $74.99 $25/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $194.99 $16.25/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
I received a delightful rat notification as I prepared to dogsit for two weeks while my friend and her family were in Spain for the eclipse.
I had already bought lamb chops (the lil tbone ones) and started a marinade (Dijon, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt & pepper). This wine was the absolute perfect match for the already planned dinner, as if the decision had been made in the cosmos. I decanted for a couple hours to open it up before dinner.
In the nose, this has a high alcohol and is leather forward. The mouth feel is lush and rich, spicy but smooth like velvet. The berry comes in at the finish with a bang. The color is a deep and gorgeous red.
Once the lamb was introduced, the dark fruit comes to the front, and is elegant and sophisticated.
The leather note never entirely goes away, but it feels so gorgeous along with the berry, dark fruit, and rich mouth feel.
I enjoyed this so much amd this is an incredible example of an elevated but entirely accessible Zinfandel.
In one word: Lush.
Doggy tax:
@erisire My wife and I love zinfandels, and your report makes me want to buy a case… Unfortunately our cabinets are full and I ordered 2 cases of the tooth and nail cabernet from last week
My wife doesn’t know, and adding a 3rd “surprise” case would be the death of me…
@calpdavis @erisire ih ho ahead…10 cases might be a surprise, maybe… 3 cases? business as usual ha!
@calpdavis @erisire oh go ahead I meant to say
@calpdavis @erisire @kaolis You need to find someone local to share orders with! Softens the blow, a bit.
@erisire Lamb chops! Yum! What a great pairing. Thanks for the nice write up!
@calpdavis Believe me! If I had known I’d have set wine $ aside. This was an absolute delight!
@BenessereMatt Thank you for a FANTASTIC wine!
@erisire I believe there’s a baby drinking wine in that dog tax picture.and the wine is a rose
@FOMOhoarder LOL, I do have chubby and short lil legs! You can see some lines of my calf tattoo, though. Tattooed baby?
@erisire - ok i stand corrected. Nothing to see here.
@erisire also in for.a case for my 8th summer hold…wow. what is going on with me
@FOMOhoarder I am jealous. I have a honeymoon upcoming so the gift of this wine for the review is what I’m getting of it.
@erisire @FOMOhoarder You are going to have quite the UPS delivery in the fall! Your UPS driver that day is NOT going to be happy.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2022 Benessere Black Glass Zinfandel - $105 = 34.99%
Far too expensive for 3 bottles. I would have gone $124 for 6 bottles. Hard pass. No nearby case split option for me.
Hello, everyone! I’m Benessere’s winemaker Matt Reid. Happy to answer your questions about the wine or anything else. I’ve got a glass on hand for inspiration!
Meanwhile, we brought in our second lot of grapes for the 2026 harvest today: Sangiovese destined for a Sparkling Rosato. The juice tastes (and looks) amazing!
@BenessereMatt Sounds delicious! Might we find it on Casemates…?
You never know, @FritzCat, but it will be a while! This wine won’t be ready to release for more than 2 years.
@BenessereMatt I’m patient…
I have never had a Benessere wine that I didn’t like. In for a case but happy to split if any in SF or nearby Bay Area is interested. My wine racks are all filled but cannot pass this up.
@davidj94112 Thanks for the kind words!
@BenessereMatt I bought your red blend and now the zin. You make lovely juice. Thank you for being here.
@danandlisa Aw, thank you! That’s so sweet, and lovely to hear. Enjoy!
My cellar is full and I already have some Benessere Cab Sauv. I was very tempted when I first saw it, but after much debate I just can’t swing it this week.
I opened the blend I received last week and it is ever so tasty-ordering a case of the Zin based on this!
@dianefreda I did the same.
I really really shouldn’t have bought another case of wine, but we do love a good Zin!
@BenessereMatt with the 14.8% alcohol how do achieve the right balance so it doesnt come across hot or “alcoholic” but rather has a moderate balanced finish?
Thanks for being on casemates!
Good question! First, the alcohol is accurate. Legally it could be 1% higher than what’s printed in the label. Long story, but the point is that other wines that state 14.8 might be significantly higher. Second, while alcohol is definitely the principal driver of the hot sensation, it’s not the only factor. The richness of the fruit has a lot to do with the perception, too, as well as the another of the tannins. I try my best!
I was just saying I have no Zinfandel in my cellar. In for a case.
/giphy meaningless-distracting-game
@lionel47 Here’s the image you requested for “meaningless-distracting-game”
Any chance of getting cases back on the Summer Hold?
Yes, PLEASE summer hold for cases!
@free2day33611 @ctmariner @WineDavid59
Request in…
@free2day33611 @rjquillin @Winedavid59 Got a case - thank you!
This one checked all the boxes: a grape I like, a grape I lack, good provenance, old world heritage, small production, winery participation and within my budget! How could I pass it up?
/giphy immaculate-ablaze-birch
Looks like cases back for Summer hold.
Appropriate order name, given the first rat review. I would love some lamb chops today!
/giphy ashamed-famous-lamb
@pmarin
I was just coming here to confirm the same
@rjquillin makes me feel sad for the lamb, though.
Summer Hold says sold out for case?
@free2day33611
I’m told more on the way, or at least requested
I went to the Summer Hold many times and finally got a case. BUT, the order details say it will be delivered 8/31? Please make sure this is Summer Hold. I am in Florida let alone the shipping from Calf.
I also sent an e-mail to support. I’m sure it will get fixed, Casemates is great!
Thanks for bringing cases back for the Summer Hold. We Floridians thank you!
/giphy eclectic-awful-frankenstein
Summer hold cases are back
I just pulled the trigger on a summer home case. Salute to WD massaging the split. And, bah! To the enablers! Any other varietal I pass, but Zin it’s more prove to me why not…
Cases sold out here earlier, but now only 3-packs remain available for either option.