Bruce Schneider, who owns Schneider Vineyards with his wife Christiane, is a man after my own cabernet franc-loving heart. Instead of being like most every other North Fork producer, his red wine programs isn’t dominated by merlot and merlot-based blends. He does what he thinks works here. He focuses on cab franc. And he will continue to do so, even after selling his 14.5-acre Roanoke Point Vineyard in Riverhead last year (which sadly is no longer a vineyard).

Starting with the 2007 vintage, Bruce will make his wines from fruit grown at the leased Jackson Hill Vineyard, a small vineyard in Mattituck,
managed by Ron Goerler of Jamesport Vineyards.

Schneider Vineyards made four different cabernet franc-focused wines in 2005, this being the one made with 100% cabernet franc grapes.

On the nose, it’s obvious that Schneider was shooting for a Loire Valley style, with cherry and blackberry notes accented by flower petals, herbs and spice. The medium-bodied palate is ripe, but not overly so, with juicy red fruit, spring herb and earthy spice flavors that dance within a wine with food-friendly acidity and soft, integrated tannins. The finish lingers nicely and most definitely makes you want to take another sip.

Schneider doesn’t have a tasting room, but his wines are poured at the co-op The Tasting Room in Peconic.

Grape(s): 100% cabernet franc
Producer: Schneider Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
Price: $25
Rating:
 (3 out of 5 | Recommended)