DOSSIER
ADAM KERN
Owner/Winemaker
Adam Kern is a graduate of Niagara College's Winery & Viticulture Technician program class of 2007. He has wine production experience in Niagara, abroad in New Zealand, and most recently in the upcoming region of Prince Edward County. To hone his palate and broaden his horizons in the world of wine, Adam became a Certified Sommelier through the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers in 2011.
Mission:
Bench Trial Wines is a virtual winery dedicated to expressive limited production wines. A partnership between two longtime friends and winemaker contemporaries, Bench Trial Wines aspires to produce wines that excite the palate, push the boundaries of typicity, and incite an open forum about what truly exhibits the distinctive character of Ontario viniculture.
Backstory:
It all began in 2007, when three close friends had the opportunity to craft their first independent wine.
A small batch of locally grown Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented into a wine that was widely enjoyed
by both friends and family. Despite its warm reception, the wine could not be legally sold to the public due to current Ontario law. In the following years, they went on to gain experience both locally and abroad. With the support of a sympathetic host winery, two of the original three reunited in 2010 to continue crafting limited production wines; thus establishing Bench Trial Wines.
CHRIS FORNASIER
Owner/Winemaker
Chris Fornasier is a graduate of the Winery & Viticulture Technician program at Niagara College in 2007. To develop his tradecraft, Chris has worked internationally in Italy, New Zealand and more domestically in the Okanagan Valley, and of course the Niagara Peninsula. These experiences provided him with greater exposure to the variety of winemaking styles found around the world, but also established his respect for the vinicultural potential found in Niagara.
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THE EVIDENCE
SUBPOENA
2010 Bench Trial Cabernet Franc
Early bud break with a minor spring frost. Raining summer led into a dry and moderate harvest.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Oak: 100% French Oak Barrels
Flavours: Dark Cherry, Blackberry, Red Currant
Production: 594 bottles
Alc./vol.: 13.1%
Price: $40.00
TESTIMONY
2011 Bench Trial Cabernet Franc
Rainy spring with late bud burst.
Warm summer followed by a hot & humid September. Mild temperatures into November.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Oak: 100% French Oak Barrels
Flavours: Plum, Raspberries, Dark Cherry
Production: 1242 bottles
Alc./vol.: 13.5%
Price: $35.00
The Jury is in!
WINE REVIEW BY ANDRÉ PROULX
Read the full article here.
2010 Bench Trial Cabernet Franc “Subpoena”
Even though for most wineries in Niagara the wines from the stellar 2010 vintage have come and gone it is nice to find a few releases here and there. What is remarkable is that the tannin in this wine is still firm and the wine is still very young. The flavours are rich Raspberry, Blackberry, Plum and Currant with woodsmoke in the mix as well. If you decide to drink this now decanting is a must but I would age this for another 5-10 years.
2011 Bench Trial Cabernet Franc “Testimony”
This is easily one of my new favorite Cabernet Francs. This wine is elegant and fruit driven, but still has very nice structure and aging potential.
A cooler summer in 2011 brings some raspberry to the mix with dark cherry, plum and blackberry. There is a nice subtle savory note on the finish of this wine that has it begging to be paired with beef or lamb. Nice acidity and still firm tannin will let this age gracefully for 3-7 years.
WINE REVIEW BY JASON SOLANKI
To read the full article click here.
2010 Bench Trial Cabernet Franc “Subpoena”
- VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) -
Nose appeared somewhat closed but featured notes of plum, raspberry, oak spice, dark cherry and chocolate. On the palate, it's full-bodied with good fruit extraction and complex aroma replays. It has mouth-watering acids and a very long finish. Decant for an hour and serve to allow the aromas to fully bloom. Score: 90 pts
2011 Bench Trial Cabernet Franc “Testimony”
- VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) -
Perfumed medium-to-high intensity aromas of spice, black cherry, herbs, and exotic flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy taut tannins and very nice aroma replays accented by vanillan oak spice. It has very good acids and finishes very long. Score: 91 pts
