THIRTY BENCH BENCHMARK RED 750ml

Thirty Bench Winemakers Small Lot 'Benchmark' Red (750ml) Experience the absolute pinnacle of Niagara terroir with the Thirty Bench Benchmark Red. Hailing from the prestigious Beamsville Bench sub-appellation of Ontario, Canada, this ultra-premium, collector-tier VQA Bordeaux-style blend represents the finest barrel selections Produced only during exceptional vintage years, it captures the estate's strict "Small Lot" philosophy: hand-picking and hand-sorting exceptionally low-yielding vines to craft a wine of immense depth, structure, and character. Crafted primarily from a masterfully balanced blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, the grapes undergo up to four weeks of extended skin contact in open wooden fermenters with manual cap plunging. The wine matures patiently for 20 to 24 months in a premium barrel program consisting of 90% French and 10% American oak (with up to 50% new oak barrels) before undergoing full malolactic fermentation. Boasting an incredibly tight production run—often limited to fewer than 200 cases per vintage—this full-bodied, extra-dry red is an essential centerpiece for any serious cellar. 🌟 Tasting Notes Appearance: A deep, brilliant purple-garnet or intense crimson hue. Aroma: A complex, highly aromatic bouquet showcasing smoky oak, fine leather, vanilla extract, and a spice box, layered over rich sweet tobacco, blue plum preserves, and ripe black currant. Palate: Full-bodied, robust, and beautifully structured with firm, well-integrated tannins. Rich, dark fruit flavors of juicy blackberry and black currant mingle gracefully with dark cocoa nibs, black tea, and warming baking spices. Finish: Exceptionally long, dry, and balanced, tapering off with an elegant, lingering trail of tangy black fruit, savory oak, and sophisticated earthy complexities. 🍽️ Food Pairing & Cellaring This robust, structured red wine demands hearty flavors. It pairs exquisitely alongside prime cuts of grilled beef, roasted venison, slow-braised lamb shanks, or rich duck breast. It is also a spectacular companion to aged, firm cheeses like sharp white cheddar or Gouda. Cellaring Potential: Highly age-worthy; engineered to evolve beautifully in the cellar with peak drinking windows reaching up to 2031–2032. Decant for 1 to 2 hours if enjoying in its youth. 📋 Product Specifications Brand: Thirty Bench Winemakers Region: VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Wine Type: Dry Red Wine (Bordeaux Blend) Varietal Composition: Typically led by Cabernet Franc, balanced with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot ABV (Alcohol By Volume): ~13.5% - 13.9% (varies slightly by vintage) Volume: 750mL Sugar Content: Extra Dry (~1.6 – 2.9 g/L residual sugar) Oak Aging: 20–24 months in French & American Oak barrels