Posts Tagged“cabernet franc”

Anthony Nappa Wines 2013 “Bordo” Cabernet Franc

With aromas of red raspberry and cherry, roasted poblano, savory herbs and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, Anthony Nappa Wines 2013 “Bordo” Cabernet Franc ($20) shows the interplay between fruity and savory that this unoaked, spontaneously fermented cabernet franc always shows. Soft and similarly savory, the medium-bodied palate shows the same berries-meet-herbs character — un-adored cabernet franc in all it’s glory. The medium-length finish brings some graphite and turns almost tinny before returning to the herbal and slightly vegetal notes. Many winemakers would manipulate that green edge out of this wine — whether through oak aging or some other bit of winemaking…

Bedell Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc

Though a bit timid right after pulling the cork, Bedell Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc ($40), unwinds steadily with aromas of crushed blackberries and currants. If you’ve ever tasted just-picked cabernet franc grapes, there is some of that here too. On the medium-bodied palate, this fresh, juicy red shows ample strawberry flavors to go with darker fruits like blackberries and black cherries. Though the tannins are soft, there is enough acidity to keep the palate lively.Woodsy spice and subtle grape stem flavors develop on the second day open, adding some complexity. Long Island needs more cabernet franc in this style —…

Roanoke Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc

When it comes to cabernet franc, Roanoke Vineyards is the rare Long Island producer that can be counted on — almost without fail — from year to year. Cabernet franc can be tricky. If it doesn’t get ripe enough, it can taste like green bell pepper. Too ripe and it loses varietal character. It can be a fine line to toe, but owner and vineyard manager Richie Pisacno deftly walks it. And winemaker Roman Roth carries it through in the cellar. Roanoke Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc ($34) delivers aromas of dark-roast coffee, roasted nuts, blackberry, black cherry and cola. On…

Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2010 “Caya” Cabernet Franc

The nose on the Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2010 “Caya” Cabernet Franc ($40) shows a significant dose of oak, which expresses itself as candied, roasted nuts as well sweet cedar, layered over top of chocolate covered cherries and ripe blueberries. Luckily, that oak character is more understated on the rich, concentrated palate, where dark berries and plums mingle deftly with woodsy spice, cocoa bean and vanilla. I miss the savory, herbal edge that cabernet franc should have, but with round, well-integrated tannins, it’s approachable now but should cellar well for at least the shorter term. Producer: Wolffer Estate Vineyard AVA: The Hamptons, Long Island ABV: 13.3%…

Anthony Nappa Wines 2012 “Bordo” Cabernet Franc

It is a point of some debate, but I’m of the belief that you cannot — and should not — remove all of the ‘green’ flavor from cabernet franc. Many try, either through extensive leaf-pulling programs, extended hang time and/or aggressive use of new oak barrels. But at the end of the day, ‘green’ is just part of the cabernet franc’s varietal character and I want to taste it. Now, I’m not suggesting that I want bell pepper or asparagus or green bean to be the dominant aroma or flavor in any wine. There is a difference between under-ripe character…

Heron Hill Winery 2010 Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Franc

The long, warm 2010 Finger Lakes growing season is captured well in the Heron Hill Winery 2010 Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Franc ($25). A lighter hand in the cellar might have served that ripe fruit better, however. 14 months in American and European oak may have been just a bit too long. On the nose, rich, brooding aromas of cassis, blueberry and blackberry are accented by notes of licorice, lavender and dark roast coffee. Full bodied with a concentrated core of dark fruit, the palate brings black cherry along with currants and blueberries, more licorice and grilled herbs. Chewy tannins provide…

Raphael 2010 Cabernet Franc

Ripe but Old World-styled, Raphael 2010 Cabernet Franc ($25) offers blackberry and black cherry aromas with layers of dried autumn leaves, sandalwood and a light sprinkling of pencil shavings on the nose. Medium-to-full bodied, the palate is ripe and rife with those same black fruits, accented by varied earthy flavors, dried herbs — with medium-intense, drying tannins. The finish shows a bitter, almost chemical note that is off putting and mars what is otherwise a fine example of North Fork cabernet franc. Producer: Raphael AVA: North Fork of Long Island ABV: 12.8% Price: $25* | Buy Now From Empire State Cellars (2.5 out of…

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc

I’ve enjoyed many of co-owner/winemaker Duncan Ross’ wines from Arrowhead Spring Vineyards in the past, but his cabernet franc remained elusive — mainly because it’s typically only available in the winery’s tasting room. So on my recent visit to Empire State Cellars, not long after Duncan had been there to pour several of his recently released reds, I was thrilled to find this bottle of Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc ($25). The ripeness of the 2010 Niagara vintage is on full display from the moment the wine settles in the glass — and so are the 22 months this…

Benmarl Winery 2010 Ridge Road Estate Cabernet Franc

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)