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TASTING NOTES

Green bell peppers and herb-scented black plums are lifted by earthiness and cedar. Juicy and generous, spiced black cherry aromas are powerful and elegant simultaneously, the dark currants and plum flavors are firm with polished tannins.

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

Hot and dry is a great way to describe the 2020 growing season. The trend of late bud break continues, beginning in mid-May. A month later in mid-June, most varieties began flowering and fruit set. Between bud break and fruit set, it was warm and dry with only considerable rainfall a handful of times. Throughout the growing season we were blessed with hot and dry conditions. This kept disease pressure very low. Luckily, our old vines are able to withstand drought conditions. The warm and dry weather continued into the fall allowing us to fully ripen grapes well into October. 2020 red wines may be some of the best in recent years.

VINIFICATION

De-stemmed. Several Day Cold Soak.

VINIFICATION

10% Whole Cluster. 90% De-stemmed. Several Day Cold Soak.

FERMENTATION

Traditional. Twice Daily Pumpovers.

ÉLEVAGE

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