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 hijinks. I always appreciate that Anthony lets these grapes speak for themselves, cliche or not.
Producer: Anthony Nappa Wines
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
Harvest Date(s): October 22-26
Brix: 22.5
TA: 5.85 g/l
pH: 3.72
ABV: 12.9%
Production: 232 cases
Price: $20 | Buy now from Empire State Cellars
(3 out of 5, Very good/Recommended)