Anthony Road, Cabernet Franc-Lemberger 2013, Finger Lakes, New York

Tasting Note: You’ve probably never heard of a cab franc – lemberger blend, but you have now.

Because cab franc reigns supreme as a black grape varietal in the Finger Lakes, meritage/Bordeaux -style blends are the logical next step in the region’s red wine revolution.

This blend sees intense notes of red fruit on the nose – red cherry and red plum with a mili-second hint of orange citrus. On your palate this light-bodied blend departs faint-raisin at the end of the taste which is the Lemberger’s contribution.  There is a chalky underlay which gives the wine some added and needed structure.

It’s curious to see a lighter-styled cab franc blend from this region. This is a light spring to fall red. I’m not yet convinced of the overall enhancing effect of the Lemberger’s contribution and underpinning.

An 85% cab franc would have been nice to sample for comparison’s sake and to understand cab franc’s contribution even as I welcome the market for blends. That said, curious and experimental winemakers are the best winemakers, and I applaud the creativity of this blend and welcome more.

Bottle Note: We believe that quality begins with careful attention to detail first in the vineyards and then in the cellar. Our cool climate viticulture allows us to produce wines with excellent fruit and firm background. As growers and makers of fine wine, we invite you to share the pleasures of a heritage that’s an everyday part of our lives. Family. Friends. Passion. 53% Cabernet Franc, 47% Lemberger.