Osprey_07cabfranc By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

I've enjoyed winemaker Osprey's Dominion Vineyards winemaker Adam Suprenant's cabernet franc for as long as I've been drinking Long Island wines. Even in the so-called lesser years, it's one of my favorites.

At $20, it's also one of the best values in local franc.

Chocolate-covered cherries come to mind on the nose along with ripe black raspberries, rubbed sage, dried cherries and a little oak.

Medium-to-full bodied, the palate is extremely ripe — edging on too ripe — with blackberries and black raspberries leading the way. A sprinkling of herbs — sage and thyme — mingles with notes of dark chocolate and maybe just a bit too much charcoal/oak.

Round in the mouth, the tannins are medium-light with acidity that brings a bit of freshness to the medium-length finish that again is a bit woody.

Producer: Osprey's Dominion Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 13%
Price: $20*
Rating: 88

(*Ratings Guide)