Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2016 Small Lot Cabernet Franc

Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2016 Small Lot Cabernet Franc

 Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

$75

Thirty Bench celebrated its 25th anniversary in August, with a series of events to honour the founding of what's rightfully seen as one of Canada's top Riesling vineyards. But there's always been more to Thirty Bench than just RIesling. This special site on Mountainview Road in Beamsville enjoys an equally long tradition of producing some of Niagara best reds, right back from its earliest days. That success story continues with winemaker Emma Garner who brings a deft hand to the robust and age-worthy Bordeaux varieties grown on the estate. Cabernet Franc has emerged as the vineyard's red wine star, with this 2016 vintage showing perhaps its finest form. The mix of fruit, spice and savoury notes makes it instantly attractive, with its best drinking window looking to be 2020-2026. 219 cases. (94/100)