Tony Aspler, Black Bank Hill Runway Red 2021 (88 points): 57% Cabernet Franc, with Merlot, Pinot Noir, a little Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Syrah. Ruby colour with a purple tint; spicy, toasty, plum and blackcurrant bouquet; full-bodied, firmly structured, black cherry and currant flavours; prominent tannins and a touch of volatile acidity that gives the nose a lift.
Rick VanSickle, Wines in Niagara, Black Bank Hill Runway Red 2021 (90 points):You ready? Here’s the blend: 59% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 13% Pinot Noir, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Syrah with 17 months of aging in used French oak barrels. It shows a light shade of red in the glass with a minty/savoury nose of wild berries, herbs, cassis, dark cherries, red currants, and spice. There’s some structure and ripe tannins on the palate with notes of anise/fennel seed, black currants, savoury red berries, earthy bits, spice and a tangy, lifted finish. There are a lot of moving parts here, but somehow it all works. Drink or hold a year or two.
Treve Ring, Wine Anorak, Runway Red 2021 (89 Points) Runway Red, named for the 1918 Beamsville Aerodrome and runway that preceded the vineyard, is a blend of 59% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 13% Pinot Noir, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Syrah. Each varietal was vinified separately, native fermented and aged 17 months in mostly neutral French oak. Bright, tight plum, cassis, and herbal green stems rule this medium red, with lightly furry tannins and a dusting of peppery baking spice on the finish. (Tasted July 2024)
