Sherwood House Vineyards, they of the tiny little tasting room, is known primarily for their chardonnay and — to a lesser extent — merlot. Those are the varietals they’ve focused on in the past and they remain the focus today.
But, as a card-carrying member of the "I Dig Cabernet Franc" club, I’m glad to see that they are bottling that variety as well.
This Sherwood House Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Franc is their second such release and is has the sorts of aromas and flavors I’m looking for in cab franc. The nose is earthy and mushroomy with a little spice, a little cocoa powder and some green-herbal hints that go nicely with the cherry an vanilla aromas.
The wine is soft and spreads out over the palate with cherry fruit accented by vanilla and spice, though it’s not as earthy as the nose made me expect. The tannins are well integrated and velvety smooth. It doesn’t feature the most complex palate around (I really wish it matched the nose more) this is a fine example of refined cab franc. I’m not sure that it’s a great value at $24 but it’s tasty nonetheless.
Grape(s): Cabernet Franc
Producer: Sherwood House Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
Price: $24
Rating: 
(3 out of 5 | Very Good)