With the release of the 2010 Red from Thirty Bench being released, it's interesting to take a quick look back at the 2009 version. Tasted in early 2012 (two months before the '10 is scheduled for release) I found that Thirty Bench had a winner on their hands: 56% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 12 months in oak - the wine had aromas of violets, raspberry, strawberry, plum, herbal notes and a neat little whiff of crème brulee. Taste-wise it's a little woody, soft on cherry and raspberry with a little herbal note ... while tannins are present right off the top. Drink over the next 2-3 years, while you wait for the 2010 to come round. Price: $24.00 - Rating: *** 1/2+