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.
