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TASTING NOTES

The 2023 Cabernet Franc showcases the varietal’s elegance and spice-driven character with a Finger Lakes signature. In the glass, it reveals a medium ruby color with lifted violet florals, blueberry, and black currant, layered with hints of white pepper and cedar spice. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and vibrant, offering flavors of fresh red fruits, blueberries, and a hint of earthiness framed by fine-grained tannins and a refreshing acidity. The finish is long and graceful, leaving lingering notes of spice and bright fruit. This Cabernet Franc is a beautiful expression of balance, purity, and cool-climate finesse.

VINEYARD NOTES

Our Cabernet Franc was planted in 1974, 1997, and 1999 on 3309 rootstock in our Keuka Estate vineyards. Vineyards on Keuka are shallow, shale-based soils which adds minerality, acidity, and elegance. A small portion of the blend comes from Eric Volz Vineyard, just north across the road from Dr. Konstantin Frank’s plantings on Keuka Lake. These vines were planted in 1990 by Walter Volz, the winery’s first Vineyard Manager. This vineyard is managed by Eric Volz, current Vineyard Manager for the winery, who worked alongside his father Walter and grandfather, Dr. Konstantin Frank. Soils here are shallow with high natural acidity and high amounts of shale.

WINEMAKER NOTES

The growing season of 2023 presented many opportunities and challenges. The winter was mild, with low cold stress on the vines. This led to an uncharacteristically warm spring, causing the vines to begin budburst early. In mid-May, the entire region experienced a freeze event that only happens once in a century. The freeze caused a loss of 10%-50% of buds, depending on location and grape variety. The reduction in buds per vine led to a concentration of the resulting grapes, which were of high quality. The ripening and harvest period from August to October followed the typical pattern for the Finger Lakes region, with warm days, cool nights, and occasional rainfall.

VINIFICATION

De-stemmed. Several Day Cold Soak.

FERMENTATION

Traditional. Twice Daily Pumpovers.

AGING

16 Months Aging. 100% French Oak. 20% New.

ACCOLADES