The other wine that stood out for me was William Hill’s 2013 Bench Blend Proprietary Red, which is composed of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Petite Sirah, 18% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. This large cuvée of just over 4,100 cases is outstanding. Deep blackcurrant and blackberry fruit intermixed with some loamy soil undertones, pepper, and forest floor are all present in this opaque ruby/purple, full-bodied wine. It was aged 18 months in 40% new French oak and is drinking beautifully already, but will last for at least another 4-5 years. This is the sleeper selection in the William Hill Estate lineup as far as I’m concerned.
