Miles Wine Cellars, a small, family-run winery located on the western shore of Seneca Lake, is one of the rare finger Lakes wineries that focuses on red wines, rather than the racy, aromatic whites that the region is known for. Pinot noir, cabernet franc and a merlot-cabernet franc blend dominate the portfolio of wines that are made by Peter Bell, winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards.
This Miles Wine Cellars 2006 Cabernet Franc ($22) was fermented in Hungarian oak and has an interesting, oak-inflected nose of smoke, grilled herbs and fresh red cherries.
Soft, flavorful and medium bodied, red cherry flavors are joined by smoky, almost bacony, flavors, and subtle hints of herbs and tobacco. The oak influence is significant but not overwhelming. The tannins are low and so is the acid, leaving it a bit soft and lacking structure.
Producer: Miles Wine Cellars
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 12.5%
Price: $22
Rating: 
(2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)