Benjamin Bridge Brut 2012 Wine Review

Benjamin Bridge Brut 2012

Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada

Community Score:93/100

Community Reviews: 6

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Price: $49.95

Drink: 2013-2023

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 11%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Sparkling Wine

Winery: Benjamin Bridge

Agent: Lifford Wine & Spirits

Natalie's Score: 96/100

This Nova Scotia sparkling sets the trend for Canadian bubblies in style and elegance. The 2012 vintage of the Benjamin Bridge Brut is stunning. You're drinking the stars here. This bubbly is made using the traditional method (Methode Classique) of the second fermentation in the bottle, just as they do in the Champagne region of France. They also use two of the grapes, Pinot Noir (10%) and Chardonnay (8%), used in France in their blend, together with L'Acadie (42%) and Seyval (40%) to give a decidedly (and deliciously) Nova Scotia signature to the cuvee. All grapes are estate grown and hand-harvested in October and bottled in June after spending 5 years on the lees to add richness, creaminess and depth. The 2012 vintage had the ideal conditions of sustained cool weather moderated by the Bay of Fundy which allowed for slow and complex ripening of the grapes. Lovely aromas of lime citrus, fresh mint, and lemon brightness on the nose and palate with great replays of flavour. A long, toasty finish leaves you at the shoreline of this Atlantic bubbly longing for more. This wine dances in the glass like sunlight on the ocean, with just as much refreshing sea spray on the palate and senses. Pair with Atlantic lobster in melted butter or fresh seafood.

Food pairings: smoked whitefish on baguette, salads, tempura seafood.

Sensational Shellfish Wine

This Benjamin Bridge Brut 2012 was reviewed on November 25, 2017 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2011 2008 2009 2014 2009

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Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
415983
$49.95
Check Stock

BCLDB
313106
$37.24
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SAQ
13193690
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ANBL
4076
$49.95
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Reviews and Ratings

Jon Steeves - Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Wow! Way to go Benjamin Bridge. This is tasting fine, with elegant fine bubbles. A well structured traditional method from Canada's emerging East Coast. Tasted bottle sample pre-release. This beauty rested on lees five years and is showing well. Crisp, tart, refreshing, mouthwatering high acidity, complex aromatics with a medium finish and persistence of slightly toasted almond brioche, lime zest, green apple. Paired well with bacon-wrapped seared jumbo sea scallops and classic risotto. Also paired well with appetizers of Parmesan and truffle oil crisps and likewise with gourmet sea salt sprinkled popcorn. Exceptional elegance and showing well. Tasted 2012 vintage Sept 2017. 93 points. BespokeTastings

Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

A Canadian winemaking icon, Benjamin Bridge, continues to capture the attention and admiration of wine aficionados and fine dining establishments around the world with their world-class premium sparkling wines that are regarded as some of the best available anywhere. The 2012 Brut is a blend of 63% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 12% Pinot Meunier, which were hand harvested and fermented in primarily stainless steel with a small portion in neutral oak, after which it spent four years on its lees which contributes to its impressive flavour profile and remarkable texture. The nose offers delicate golden apple, fresh baked bread, lemon biscuit, almond paste, and wet stone. Remarkably refreshing and well balanced, the fine micro bubbles coat the palate and make way for a long green apple, lime, and mineral finish which persists for minutes. This impressive sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with practically any dish you can imagine, and is equally great when enjoyed on its own. If you love fine sparking wine and haven't tasted a Benjamin Bridge wine then what are you waiting for! Highly recommended! Tasted July 2018. 93 points - Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Greg Hughes rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

No, it is absolutely true. Nova Scotia has some of the best terroir in Canada for top-tier sparkling wine. It is even starting to garner international attention. The growers in this area do utilize the traditional varietals (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier, and sometimes even Chenin Blanc). Occasionally, they also use L'Acadie and Seyval, which give fresh, crisp fruit and acidity (which is crucial for a good sparkling).
This wine has a nice fizz to it and a medium hay-yellow colour.
The aromas are intensely minerally. It has a pent-up freshness in the citrus, rhubarb, green apple, pear, melon, and guava. There is some spice, but the autolytic character is really well integrated. This wine is still about freshness.
The palate explodes with lemon and lime. Tart and zesty. Refreshing and persistent. It is quite. Complex and tropical. There is some honey and pineapple that emerge as it sits out.
Benjamin Bridge, from Wolfville, are one of the forerunners who have been a huge part of the deserved recognition for wines in Nova Scotia. By no means are they the only ones, but they certainly nail it with this wine. What a bargain. Buy a couple and save it. The aging potential for these wines was demonstated to me earlier this year. It is very impressive. Pair it with some fish and chips, East Coast lobster, or holiday dinner. It's a real stunner

2 Members would buy this wine again

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Benjamin Bridge Brut 2012 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 96/100

Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings