Dr. Konstantin Frank 2007 Cabernet Franc
By Lenn Thompson, Long Island Editor and Editor-in-Chief
To most wine lovers outside of New York (and even many in New York) Dr. Konstantin Frank Viniifera Wine Cellars is synonymous with Finger Lakes wine. Dr. Frank's is one of the region's largest, best and most widely distributed producers.
Of course, the winery is best known for its riesling bottlings, followed closely by Gewurztraminer and, partly because it's unique and partly because it's unique — Rkatsiteli.
Today's review isn't of any of those well-regarded wines. Instead, we'll focus on a ripe, polished Dr. Konstantin Frank 2007 Cabernet Franc ($20) that still left me wanting just a bit.
Medium ruby-garnet in the glass, this Finger Lakes cabernet franc has aromas of blackberry, cherry, oak, grilled mushrooms and hints of tomato leaf.
Medium bodied and soft and just a little juicy on the palate, the ripe cherry flavors take center stage here with a bit of blackberry and subtle spice. With low tannins and somewhat low acidity, it's almost too smooth around the edges — to the point that I'm not sure it's easily recognizable as cabernet franc.
I'd like a little less oak, a bit more herbal character and a bit more structure as well, especially acidity.
Still, it's ripe (easier in the hot 2007 year) and is an approachable style of cabernet franc that will appeal to the masses.
Producer: Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 12%
Price: $20* (Buy)
Rating: (2.5 out of 5 | Average-to-Very Good)
Rkatsiteli is not only unique, but delicious!
Rkatsiteli may be unique here, but it may surprise many to know that it is one of the most widely planted white grapes in the world. There’s more than 600,000 acres of it in eastern Europe and Russia, and its quite popular in China.
When I say unique, I mean to the U.S.
I’ve heard of at least one other winery growing/making it…somewhere in Virginia.
Have you had Dr. Frank’s Rkat, Jim?
Yes, but many moons ago. It’s a fun wine, but really it’s more on the neutral side, like Chenin or Folle Blanche or Colombard. I always thought it was a volume grape for distilling, but maybe I’m wrong about that. Good acidity from Dr. Frank I remember.
The Virginia winery producing a Rkatsiteli is Horton Vineyards
McGregor’s on Keuka uses Rkatsitelli in a blend with Sereksiya. It tends to have much more citrus flavor than the pure Rkatsitelli from Dr. Frank’s.