Hand picked from own vineyard
51% cabernet sauv, 27% cabernet franc, 22% merlot
Larry is going to like this
Pair with red meats - medium rare, four year old cheddar and crusty baguette, rich beef stew, leg of lamb, Larry's review: great drinking wine, lots of cherry, black berry, soft pepper and spice on the finish. Good structured tannins close softly.
I've been buying TB Red for many years, and it nearly always impresses, but this is the best yet. It would be an excellent wine to serve to a naysayer who claims that it's foolhardy to grow these Bordeaux grape varieties in Niagara. To be sure, vintage is all-important, and this was a warm one, but that's true in Bordeaux as well. Just now starting to enter its prime in 2018, the 2012 is rich and satisfying, and a bargain at the price.
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.
Dark ruby, with just a hint of lightening at the rim. Lovely nose of spice and oak notes, with good fruit and just a hint of earth. Mouthfilling and ripe, with a spicy finish that lingers. Excellent cool-climate winemaking, IMHO, emphasizing elegance and balance. Most certainly worth the price of admission.
Still drinking beautifully