I am always intrigued by the Thirty Bench Winemaker’s Red – for a house known for Rieslings and Small Lot wines this Red is always a good value and good wine for the money. Now true, the hot vintage ones are always a little more intriguing and age-worthy, but even in the cooler vintages this wine is very good. This 2011 has a juiciness about it with strawberry and cassis fruit backed up by coffee and mocha notes. There’s also an earthy quality to the finish that helps to ground the wine – no pun intended (well maybe a little). Drink now till 2016. Price: $24.00 – Rating: *** ½+