Editor’s Note: Okay, so I’m a little late posting this. Most of you have already received your shipments, but here is a bit about my April 2016 selections.
I’m really excited about this month’s picks – one Finger Lakes riesling and a sparkling cabernet franc from Long Island.
Yes, you read that right – sparkling cabernet franc. Macari Vineyards 2014 “Horses” Sparkling Rose Cabernet Franc is a sparkling cabernet franc that they may so little of that it’s not even on the winery’s website. Luckily, we were able to get a few cases for the club and I think you’re going to love it. It’s not quite a pet nat (there was a small dosage) but it’s not your typical sparkler either. For one, it’s made with cabernet franc, which makes it beyond unique from the start. It’s fresh and fruity but still shows that herby edge of cabernet franc and is frothy rather than super-carbonated. My wife and I have already polished off the half case that we bought at the winery recently. Don’t ponder it too much, just chill it and drink it – with food or by itself. It’s as fun to drink as it is delicious.
This month’s other pick comes from a Finger Lakes producer that I didn’t have time to visit during my trip, but it’s a must-visit for my next one. Boundary Breaks Vineyard 2014 No. 239 Dry Riesling is a special wine. I’ve become a bit jaded about Finger Lakes riesling — but I don’t mean that to sound as bad as I know it does. But after so many years tasting so many good-to-great rieslings, I’ve come to expect it in a sense. I don’t want to say that I take it for granted because I don’t. There is still a lot of mediocre (or worse) riesling in the Finger Lakes. But, for a wine to really stand out during a tasting, it has to be something special. When such a wine retails for less than $20, even better — if increasingly rare as prices creep up in the Finger Lakes. The nose is bright, beautiful and expressive with notes of sweet spring flowers, fennel fronds, tangerines, limes and pears. Dry but not austere, the lithe palate is dominated by concentrated citrus and pear fruit flavors that are energized and focused by juicy-gritty acidity. There is a faint flinty, herbal note at the end of a long, crunchy finish.
That’s it for this month. I really think you’ll enjoy these wines. Cheers!