Winemaker Notes
The goal for Boundary Breaks' 2021 Cabernet Franc was to create a wine that shows the distinctive, fruit-and-earth character of Cabernet Franc, balanced with the soft, round quality of Merlot. The result is a food-friendly red wine that falls between the earthiness of French Cab Francs and fruit-driven California Cab Francs.
Blend: 75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Here’s more proof that cabernet franc copes remarkably well with challenging vintages in the Finger Lakes. Bright aromas of redcurrant and black raspberry fill out the medium-bodied palate, easily balancing the lively acidity and gentle tannins. Very harmonious fresh finish.
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
As the most historic wine-producing region in New York state, winemaking in the Finger Lakes area dates back to the 1820s and today as a region, accounts for 90% of the state’s total wine production.
Its narrow and deep lakes created by the movement of Ice Age glaciers create an environment similar to the classic Riesling-loving regions of Europe, namely Germany and Austria. The Finger Lakes retain summer heat that incidentally warms up cold winter air, making it fall down from the lakes’ steep slopes. When spring comes, the lakes, already cooled by cold winter weather, stave off vine budding until the danger of frost has subsided. The main lakes of the zone, that is those big enough to moderate the climate in this way, are the focal points of prime vineyard areas. They include Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga.
While Riesling has fueled most of the region’s success, today Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc enjoy some attention.