Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Red 2018

Jay Denney rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

What a delightful Bordeaux style Blend from Thirty Bench. Blackberries and blackcurrant waltz on the those, and continue the party on the palate, complemented by spices, smoke tea leaves, and a whisper of cocoa. I recommend a bit of air for this one, still has some heat on the finish.

Pam Hatton rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Deep ruby with rich cassis, raspberry, leather, vanilla and spice. Dark fruit and cassis on the palate with cocoa nibs, leather and cedar. Medium bodied with dry tannins, balanced acidity and a medium long finish. Lovely, classic style wine that will show nicely with a bit of ageing. Pair it with roast beef or lamb.

L.J. Palmer WSET 3 rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Complex and evolving red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from Niagaras' Beamsville bench opens with an initial aroma of leather, black tea, spice and green pepper and then evolves to include blackberry and cassis with black pepper. This full bodied red is dry with slightly grippy tannins and amazing food friendly acidity. Finish is of black fruit, with leather and spice. Paired well with grilled steak with black peppercorns and rosemary. Destined to be a favourite!

Jane Staples rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A medium-bodied red blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and Merlot, crafted from hand-harvested grapes grown in Beamsville Bench, Ontario. The nose is inviting and aromatic, with lots of dark currant and ripe red berries, vanilla, mocha, cigar box, tea and slight vegetal notes. The palate opens up expressively and becomes more fruity, with firm but balanced tannins and good structure. Delicious long finish with cassis, mocha, and earthy notes. Decant one hour before serving. This wine won Gold at the All Canadian Wine Championships 2019
Paired well with both roast pork and lamb chops.
Tasted Jan. 2021
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Lori Kilmartin WSET3 rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

If you’re looking for something delicious to drink and to warm your soul this winter try out this Thirty Bench Winemaker’s Blend from Beamsville Bench in Niagara. A blend of Cab. Sauv./Cab.Franc/Merlot by winemaker Emma Garner hits all the sweet spots!

On the nose aromas of black currant, black cherry, spice and smoke. Plenty of fruit on the palate; sour cherry in abundance with some peppery notes. Medium-high tannins that smoothed out after some time in the glass. Well balanced fruit/tannins and acidity.

This is a great value Bordeaux style blend from right here in Ontario! Tasted January 2021

Lynn van der Linde rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

A beautiful Ontario expression of a Bordeaux blend, usually referred to as a Meritage here in Canada, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grapes.
Rich aromas of black raspberries, cassis, cedar, and a hint of eucalyptus lead to a peppery raspberry finish.
Wonderful paired with beef dishes or portobello mushroom burgers.
Tasted December 2020.

Courtney Flood rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Traditional Bordeaux style blend from the gentle slopes of the Beamsville Bench at the base of the Niagara Escarpment. Blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, this wine has sweet juicy notes of red currant, wild raspberry, blackberry, balanced by vanilla bean and lilac, followed by a spicy note of cracked black pepper. Quite juicy on the palate, medium bodied with lingering notes of cocoa powder. Beautiful as a locally-sourced gift, great pairing with a beef stew on a cosy night,

Jennifer Havers rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This is a great red blend from Niagara. Aromas of blackberry and plum, with hints of cedar, dried herbs and just a touch of vanilla. Full bodied, smooth on the palate with soft tannins, tons of ripe berry flavours, and nicely balanced acidity. There is just a hint of mocha and vanilla on the finish. Enjoy with roast beef or any mushroom dish.

David Skinner rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Deep ruby and a pinkish rim. Fragrance of blackberry, cassis, cedar and spices. A full bodied wine with gentle tannins and plenty of dark fruit, cocoa and spices on the palate. well balanced with a lengthy finish.

Serve with lamb chops and cabernet sauce.

Craig Haynes rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Another fine performance from Thirty Bench. From Ontario’s Beamsville Bench appellation, this red blend showed beautiful aromas evocative of dark berry preserves, sweet herbs, coco and cedar with a spotlight on the first two. Medium bodied, super dry and elegantly structured thanks to some approachable tannins with waves of jammy dark berry, spice and woody flavours with the dark berries in the lead roles. This 2018 vintage was crafted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Would pair nicely with herb forward slow cooked beef short ribs. Enjoy.

Reviewed on December 18, 2020

Andrea Shapiro rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

An approachable blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from Thirty Bench Vineyards and winemaker, Emma Garner. An enticing bouquet featuring dark cherry, sweet cedar, and leathery baking spices. Flavours reveal a blend of raspberry/blackberry notes and fresh herbs with lingering smoked vanilla bean and black pepper. Well balanced. Dry with moderately grippy-tea-leaf tannins and nicely balanced acidity to match. Hit this with an aerator or pop it into a decanter to open it up a little and add to the experience. Bring this as your next diner-party gift and enjoy with a traditional beef au jus roast and mushroom gravy. Cheers! - tasted December 2020

Melanie Lloyd rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Ripe blackcurrant aromas along with leather, chocolate, wet cedar, violet, sweet spice and black pepper.

Full bodied on the palate with tart plum notes, subtle floral notes and a touch of bitter black tea at the finish.

Pair with grilled steak or a roast.

Tasted December 2020

Christian Marcoux rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

From the Beamsville Bench in the lovely Niagara wine region, Thirty Bench produces delicious quality wine. The Winemaker’s Blend Red 2018 is one of them, offering aromas of black cherry, cranberry, red bell pepper, pipe tobacco, spice and oak. Blended from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this medium-bodied wine delivers nice balance and structure. Its finish is long and warm, perfect for sipping after diner. Palate: black plum, cherry, dried herbs, leather, mocha, spice and oak. Enjoy!

Andrew Bernardo rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This wine has to be one of the better values in Ontario today. There’s classic Bordelais flavours of black cherry, cassis, herb, sweet earth, a touch of spearmint and dried fruit skin. It should be great to tackle a roast of lamb or beef. 90 Points.