WTN: Kinkead Ridge 2004 Cabernet Franc
As someone who was born and raised in western Pennsylvania, four things come to mind when I think about neighboring Ohio:
- Bad drivers
- Sea World
- Cedar Point amusement park
- The much-hated Cleveland Browns.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I was raised to loathe our neighbors to the west, but they definitely weren’t looked upon fondly.
Now, after tasting the wines of Kinkead Ridge Estate Winery, there is at least one thing I can say that I love about the Buckeye State.
Located just outside of Ripley, Ohio, Kinkead Ridge Winery grows only vinifera grapes in their vineyard, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Viognier, Roussanne and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard lies on ridges rising more than 400 feet above the nearby Ohio River and the soil is 30 inches deep to broken limestone, rich in clay and well drained. This drainage is ideally suited to growing fine wines, though winter can be cold enough to damage less hardy varieties.
Cabernet Franc is one of my favorite varieties, and if you love the red wines of the Loire Valley , I can’t recommend Kinkead Ridge’s 2004 Cabernet Franc enough.
A deep violet-crimson in the glass, black cherry dominates the nose with more subtle aromas of dusty cocoa, black pepper and violets. This is an extremely full flavored wine, with black raspberry, cherry, black pepper, and dark chocolate flavors mingling on a rich, balanced palate. Well-integrated, smooth tannins and just a little lick of acidity make this a wine of unusual character and balance.
Best of all, at $17 per bottle, it’s an excellent value.
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I’m currently reading Hugh Johnson’s The Story of Wine. While I don’t know much the author yet (maybe some love him/hate him?) the book is long, in-depth, and interesting.
I was surprised that Johnson’s emphasis on the history Eastern North America wines focuses almost entirely on Ohio. He lauds the excellent growing conditions in the Ohio valley.
I’d certainly be interested in learning more about Ohio wines!
I think their 2004 Cab Franc is their best wine to date and it is flying off the shelves. I have one case left which will most likely end up in my personal cellar!
I have offered up this wine on football bets but as of yet have not had to give up a bottle!
I heard the Cab Franc’s from your region are very good also (hint! hint!).
Oh SH*T…I have your wine boxed up and then I had to put it in the basement when we converted my office into a nursery.
I’ll get it to you this week! Sorry man!
That Kinkead is killer…delicious!
No less an esteemed personage than Tom Stevenson, editor New Sothebys Wine Encyclopedia said the following: “Michigan is currently outclassing New York despite having only 90 wineries compared with the latter’s 203, and nothing like its financial resources. The general consensus is that New York has the greatest potential of all northeastern states, but only a handful of its wineries are working hard to achieve that potential. Virginia promises to be the East Coast’s Washington State, while Pennsylvania and Ohio are the dark horses.”
Someone PLEASE tell me where I can get my hands on some of this! Also, has anyone tried the 2005 of the same yet? Is it as good?