Wine Spectator - April 30, 2008

Bennett Lane Maximus Red Napa Valley 2005

90 Points and Outstanding Value

Firm, rich and intense, with ripe, vivid blackberry and wild berry fruit and a mix of currant and raspberry. Keeps a tight focus on the finish.

Former race car driver Randy Lynch and his wife, Lisa, purchased their Napa home and surrounding vineyards in 2003. They inherited some Syrah grapes and blended them unconventionally, with Bordeaux varietals. The result is Maximus Red, a Cabernet Sauvignon - based blend that includes Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, named after wine loving Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus. Most of the grapes for this wine come from Bennett Lane's own 22 acres of Napa vineyards in Calistoga. The winery also produces an unconventional white blend (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat) called Maximus White.