Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon is a North Coast California red wine blending 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Merlot at 13.9% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Born from a single exceptional lot of fruit that winemaker Jim Regusci isolated in 2000, this label has earned recognition from Wine Enthusiast, which awarded the 2015 vintage 87 points. Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9% | Origin: North Coast, California | Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot | Producer: Nine North Wine Company Production & Heritage The Twenty Bench story began in 2000 when Jim Regusci purchased 20 tons of standout Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from gently rising bench land vineyards in Northern California. The fruit was crushed and kept separate, and cellar hands marked the barrels simply as "Twenty Bench" in chalk — a name that stuck. The wine is aged for 12 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 30% new wood, giving structure and spice without overwhelming the fruit. Today, the label is produced under Nine North Wine Company. Tasting Notes Aroma: Ripe black cherry and blackberry lead the nose, followed by charred French oak smoke and warm baking spices like nutmeg. A subtle minerality threads through the background. Taste: The entry is creamy and dense, with layered juicy berry flavors giving way to cassis, dark chocolate, and espresso at mid-palate. Black pepper and vanilla spice emerge as the wine opens, supported by a full body that remains surprisingly easygoing thanks to soft acidity and approachable tannins. Finish: Medium in length with firm but silky tannins and lingering notes of cigar box and dark fruit. The French oak influence carries through cleanly without bitterness. How to Drink Twenty Bench This Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F), poured into a large-bowled glass to let the oak and fruit aromatics open up. A brief 20-minute decant can soften the tannins further. It also holds its own in red wine cocktails: try it in a Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) for a casual, refreshing pour; a New York Sour where its dark fruit and oak backbone float beautifully atop bourbon; or a classic Sangria where the ripe berry character and chocolate undertones add depth alongside citrus and brandy. Best For Weeknight steak or burger dinners that call for a reliable, full-bodied red Introducing someone to California Cabernet without a steep price commitment Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a barbecue or dinner party Building a casual wine collection with versatile, food-friendly selections Frequently Asked Questions What does Twenty Bench taste like? Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red dominated by ripe black cherry, cassis, and dark chocolate, with French oak-derived vanilla spice and a smooth, creamy texture. The tannins are firm but silky, making it approachable even without extended aging. How does Twenty Bench compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are widely available California Cabernets built for everyday drinking, but Twenty Bench uses 100% French oak aging (30% new barrels) while Josh Cellars employs a mix of French and American oak. Twenty Bench tends toward a denser, more chocolate-driven profile, whereas Josh Cellars leans slightly fruitier and lighter in body. Is Twenty Bench good for beginners? Yes — its soft acidity, approachable tannins, and ripe fruit character make it an excellent introduction to California Cabernet Sauvignon without the tannic grip that can challenge new red wine drinkers. Where is Twenty Bench made? Twenty Bench is produced by Nine North Wine Company using grapes sourced from bench land vineyards in the North Coast appellation of California. The North Coast AVA encompasses renowned growing regions north of San Francisco, including parts of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. What foods pair well with Twenty Bench? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and oak richness. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its herbal spice notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda match the creamy texture and chocolate tones. Slow-braised short ribs mirror the wine's density, and mushroom risotto pairs well with its earthy undertones. What sizes does Twenty Bench come in? Twenty Bench Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle. Is Twenty Bench worth the price? Twenty Bench positions as a value-tier California Cabernet that punches above its weight class, delivering French oak aging and a blend composition typically found at higher price points. For a daily-drinking North Coast Cab, it represents strong value. Why Twenty Bench? The origin story alone sets this wine apart — it exists because Jim Regusci recognized a specific lot of fruit exceptional enough to isolate and bottle on its own. That founding instinct carries through in the production: 12 months in 100% French oak with 30% new barrels is a serious aging regimen for a value-tier Cabernet. The 95/5 Cabernet-Merlot blend adds just enough softness to round the mid-palate without diluting varietal character. For drinkers seeking a full-bodied North Coast red that delivers oak complexity and ripe fruit density without a premium price tag, Twenty Bench remains one of the more compelling options in its category.
