Thirty Bench Meritage 2012

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Another one of my all-time Ontario faves. This wine does not disappoint with aromas and flavours of cherries, red and black briars, damson plum, fresh cut herb, tobacco, and a hint of dried mushroom. 91 Points. (www.ottawawinejournal.com)

Jon Steeves rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Rich rounded and full-bodied red blend, deeply coloured ruby red, declared 13.8% ABV. Juicy, well-balanced medium plus acidity, medium plus tannins. Integrating alcohol. Firm blackberry, dried sage, pomegranate aril and minerality. Long finish with persistence of blackberry and a hint of stone. Allow for an hour of decanting to breathe before serving. Pairs well with braised red meats, chili con carne. Tasted Jan 2017. Rated 89/100.

Monique Sosa rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

The '12 30 Bench Red blend pours with deep ruby appearance and pronounced mocha berry - raspberry dark chocolate aromas. Acidity is balanced, fruit is juicy, finish is long a touch peppery, and tannins are still young so aerate an hour prior to serving or consider aging through 2020. Tasted Jan 2017 - @sommsosa | bespoketastings.ca

Bill Wright Sommelier rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Dark fruit, wood and smoke both on the nose and the palette.
Great tart and spice finish, short but great. Tannins pull on the finish
Jan 15/17

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Lots of woodsy and smoky flavours coming off the nose of this wine, mingled with deep berry, cassis and plums. Lots of dark, ripe berry on the palate, along with spicy black pepper, and oak and cedar notes, although more subtle than expected. Firm tannin and nice acidity. Perfect for steak or hearty mushroom dishes, I also picture sipping while curled up in front of a raging fireplace.

Jane Staples rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Wonderful Damson plum aromas and flavours, with hint of dark chocolate and bell pepper.
Tasted Jan. 2017

Heather Murray reviewed this wine as follows:

bought from winery

Reese Smilski reviewed this wine as follows:

Gift from Mike Kukelko

Neil Phillips rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Always a consistent Bordeaux-style wine, the 2012 release is one of the best yet, offering great value.

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by similar measures of Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

On the nose, classic cassis combined with black olives, cedar, vanilla and a hint of mocha.

On the palate, tannins are firm and hold the acid and fruit nicely, but not too chewy. Ripe red fruit and dark plum abounds, but there's enough structure behind to hold it in check. A slight herbaceousness (capsicum) adds to mild black pepper, anise and very slight bitter cherry.

Will pair nicely with barbequed medium-rare steaks, burgers with blue cheese, grilled Portobello mushrooms.

Drinking well now, but can easily improve with a year or two in bottle. 13.8% ABV.

Tasted May 2014.