The September 2015 wines for the New York Cork Club will ship soon — thank goodness that the hot weather has started to subside. It’s shipping season!

(If you missed our announcement about the rebirth of New York Cork Club, check it out here.)

As we head into harvest season this fall, a lot of us start to drink a bit more red wine — but not heavy, oak-laden ones. With that in mind, we’re doing two reds this month, but both are bright and decided not oaky. Just what we like as the last of the summer’s tomatoes move through our kitchens and we get into butternut and acorn squash dishes and stews.

To make it even a bit more fun, we’re going to compare a couple styles and vintages of cabernet franc — a grape you know I feel a great bit of affection for.

Shinn Estate Vineyards 2014 “Mojo” Cabernet Franc — Shinn Estate has long been one of my go-to producers of great cab franc, but this new addition to the portfolio is made without a splinter of oak. Without any oak to hide beneath, this is unabashedly North Fork cabernet franc. Fruity and bright with fresh berry flavors and subtle spice, earth and herbs, there is a purity here that you don’t see in a lot of New York cab franc.

Hermann J. Wiemer 2013 Cabernet Franc — Different vintage. Different wine district. Similarly focused and correct to the grape. Just-crushed raspberry and blackberry are backed by a spicy-savory quality and only the lightest note of herbs. The palate has a bit of nutty earthiness to it, with fresh acidity and just-grippy tannins give it a crunchy, almost gritty mouthfeel that screams for lamb or grilled beef,

I’m really excited about this shipment and I know you’ll love the wines — but only if you get them. Sign up today…

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