Winemaker Notes
Ideally suited to cool climate growing, Cabernet Franc is quickly gaining a reputation as a principal red wine grape in the Finger Lakes where long, brisk autumns allow for slow ripening. The outcome is a consistently ripe presentation with exceptional depth and body. Cabernet Franc is often used as a base for a blend, but the region is proving that the grape stands well on its own as a full-bodied wine. An alluring black cherry color and a compelling nose precede a palate that is generous and round, marked by vivacious berry flavors, along with savory earth notes and a full structure. Firm tannins grip the tongue, then soften into a flavorsome, pungent finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
This appellation bottling is slightly waxier and more obtuse than Wiemer’s vineyard designate (also recommended here), with dirty-Martini aromas and dark candied-plum flavors. It’s very young and still showing baby fat, but some compelling elements are in place. Cellar.
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.