Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 354,394 strong:

Register Today!
Ad

Speck Brothers Family Tree The Padré Cabernet Merlot 2023 Wine Review

Speck Brothers Family Tree The Padré Cabernet Merlot 2023

Speck Brothers Family Tree The Padré Cabernet Merlot 2023

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada

Community Score:90/100

Community Reviews: 2

  Add My Review


Price: $17.95

Drink: 2025-2027

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13%

Sweetness: Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Speck Brothers Family Tree

Agent: Henry of Pelham Family Est. Winery

Natalie's Score: 90/100

A smooth, approachable red blend with aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, and red cherry, accented by subtle notes of cedar, vanilla, and spice. It’s medium-bodied, dry, and velvety on the palate, with soft tannins, balanced acidity, and 13% alcohol creating a polished, easy-drinking style. Serve it just below room temperature to let its fruit and structure shine. Fascinating fact: The Family Tree series honors the Speck brothers’ winemaking heritage, tracing back to their great-great-great-grandfather—the inspiration for the Padré label—which emphasizes family, tradition, and approachable, quality wines. Best enjoyed within 3–5 years to appreciate its vibrant fruit and supple texture.

Cabernet Merlot food pairings: grilled herb-marinated lamb chops, where the wine’s berry notes and spice complement the meat. Or enjoy it with a classic spaghetti Bolognese, where its acidity and soft tannins balance the rich tomato sauce.

Luscious Lamb Wine

This Speck Brothers Family Tree The Padré Cabernet Merlot 2023 was reviewed on September 13, 2025 by Natalie MacLean

  Add New Vintage

Pricing & Stock Information

StoreStock    
Ontario & C.h. Meir72 Add
Exmouth & Lambton Mall69 Add
Metcalfe & Isabella63 Add
King South & William55 Add
Guelph Line & Upper Middle46 Add
See More Edit

Reviews and Ratings

Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Lovely and bright, this wine, named for Paul Speck Sr., is blended Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from with aromas of cherry, plum, cigar box, and dried herbs. Medium-full bodied, with medium+ acidity, bright red berry notes on the palate, and a slightly smoky and herbaceous finish. Enjoy with a rustic lentil soup on a cool fall day.

If you liked the Speck Brothers Family Tree The Padré Cabernet Merlot 2023, you might also like these wines:

Ad

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

Wine of the Week

As featured on  

CTV Wine of the Week!

Cloudy Bay Red Wine
Pinot Noir 2023,
Marlborough, South Island ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 354,394 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

  Best Books of the Year

Red, White & Drunk all over by Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

  Best Books of the Year

Unquenchable by Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

Insider tips on starting a wine cellar
From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources.   learn more  
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award