Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Classic Label Cabernet Franc aims for a pure expression of Cabernet Franc in the Finger Lakes by using only stainless steel rather than oak. Bright cherry and violet fruit on the nose underlain by mineral tension in the midpalate, in many ways this wine uses Cru Beaujolais as a touchstone. Refreshing to drink, it stands as a joyous counterpoint to the influence of oak that this single vineyard Cabernet Franc requires.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A new Finger Lakes classic that’s just plain delicious! In many ways this is like a good Beaujolais Cru, but it has expressive redcurrant and blackcurrant fruit that’s totally cab franc. The balance of the full berry fruit and supple tannins is spot on.
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.