Toasty oak and caramel candy mask red raspberry and peppery spice aromas on the nose.

Lacks fruit on the palate as well — tasting far older than it is. Medium-full body, dominated by oak and Werther’s Originals flavors. Ripe, medium-intensity tannins bring nice structure, but the oak influence is just too strong here.

Not a very good value at $28, although it’s great to see more estate-grown cabernet franc in the Hudson River Region AVA.

Producer: Benmarl Winery
AVA: New York
ABV: 13%
Price: $28*

 

(2 out of 5, Average)