Cabernet Franc Lake Effect 2023

The wine has big aromas of baking spice and plums, along with hints of milk chocolate and vanilla.  In the mouth, we find a surprisingly full body, and a mix of fresh black cherries and dried cranberry notes, with velvety, rich tannins.  This Cab Franc has a long, drawn out finish full of spice and vanilla notes.

Native American legend claims that the Finger Lakes were formed by the hands of the Great Spirit when they laid their hands on the land to bless it.  Today, these lakes create a special local climate, in what is known as the “lake effect,”  which takes place when winds blow over the lakes’ surface, picking up heat and water vapor that produce warm columns of air known as “thermals.”  This can cause increased snowfall around the lake, but it also creates an area of warmer temperatures along the shore - perfect for growing grapes in a colder climate!

Harvested 5 days before Halloween, these grapes were given every opportunity to develop rich tannin and ripe fruit aromas. Hand picked and hand sorted, these grapes were fermented at cool temperatures (76℉) and on skins for 18 days. Press and free run were combined prior to aging in French Oak barrels for 18 months.

This wine immediately calls to mind pairing with sausage-cornbread stuffing, candied yams and brown sugar baked butternut squash.  It would do well with hard-ish cheeses like Gran Padano or manchego.