Bennet Bodenstein

Mar 7, 2025 | sbj.net | Bennet Bodenstein

There can be little doubt that the states of Oregon and Washington are becoming a modern-day center for the production of fine wines. There are vineyards there producing exceptional wine grapes in the area around California's San Luis Obispo Coast where the soil, the air temperature and the cool breezes coming from the Pacific Ocean all combine to produce excellent wine grapes and, as its corollary, fine wines.

Feb 20, 2025 | warrensburgstarjournal.com | Bennet Bodenstein

Ben On WinePosted 2/20/25We are entering the most fearsome time in the life of every winemaker, the time when the wines made from the grapes grown the previous year are sampled to determine if it is ready to be bottled. This item is available in full to subscribers.

Feb 7, 2025 | sbj.net | Bennet Bodenstein

I hope, dear reader, that the end of the year festivities have not left you in a financial hole. For this holiday season, the newspapers reported that wine sales were up as more and more Americans are drinking wine with their meals. Since this is now a new year, I decided to take a look at my columns of the past year and pick out the ones that I found most interesting. Crocus L’Atelier 2020 Malbec de Cahors ($24)I start with this wine because it has made a liar out of me.

Feb 6, 2025 | warrensburgstarjournal.com | Bennet Bodenstein

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Dec 6, 2024 | sbj.net | Bennet Bodenstein

I was once asked, if I were on a spaceship to Mars, what wine would I take? Without any hesitation, I answered Chianti. The asker was astounded that I did not mention any of the world's great wines or vintages but settled for a rather commonplace wine. I was then asked, “Why Chianti?” My answer reflected my opinion of what I consider to be the “happiest” wine in the world – a wine that is not to be gently sipped but to be enjoyed with friends in great gulps.