Township 7 Vineyards & Winery North Bench Oliver NBO 2016

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

This is a wine to make me wish we saw more BC wines in Ontario. A gorgeous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon(42%), Merlot (38%), and Cabernet Franc (20%). Aromas of currant, cherry, blueberry and blackberry, with smoke, tobacco and a bit of leather. Warm and balanced, the alcohol level is 14.6% but it doesn't feel overly hot. Full bodied, with smooth tannin and just the right amount of acidity. Fruit, smoke leather and spicy notes all play off each other on the palate, with a slightly smoky finish. This wine saw 24 months in French and American oak, and displays wonderful balance. Enjoy now or over the next 6 or more years. Perfect with your next prime rib roast.

Deborah Podurgiel WSET IV Candidate rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

The Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot wine grapes for Township’s 7 2016 NBO came from a strong harvest with above average degree days from the North Bench Oliver’s Blue Terrace and Rock Pocket Vineyards. Grapes were able to ripen evenly and with full phenolic development.

NBO 2016 is a dry and full-bodied red blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The nose is luxurious with aromas of chocolate covered ripe black currants, liquid dark cherries and ripe dark plums. The palate is warming at 14.6% abv, but smooth and elegant with well-matched, ripe black currant, dark chocolate, cinnamon, cedar spice and savoury flavours finishing long with more dark chocolate on the palate and a dusty minerality. Tannins are firm but fine. NBO 2016 was aged 24 months in French and American oak barrels and can easily cellar another five years, but it didn’t have a chance in our house and we paired it with a roast venison backstrap wrapped up in alder-smoked bacon. Beyond Yummy! If pouring now, decant for one hour and pair with a grilled ribeye or game steak.