Element Winery, Cabernet Franc 2010, Finger Lakes, New York

Tasting Note: Among the best of the cabernet franc style that is still being defined in the U.S and a wine would be a worthy contender on the world stage.

This deep-ruby colored cabernet franc has a nose of wet hay, cedar, violet, red cherry, black plum, and raisin which assembled together provides a pleasing aroma that borders on primal.

Aromas on the nose carry to the palate in varying concentrations with the red and black fruit presenting strongest through to the 60% point of the taste after which medium acidity kicks in and rides the top of the flavor wave through to the chalky-raisiny finish.

This medium-plus bodied cab franc has complexity, depth and balance between the tannin and fruit.

Bottle Note: Element Winery was founded to explore cool climate terroirs, to produce wines which express their origins without preconceived notions. Delicate wines, balanced with a focus on mineral and floral aromas and higher acids using a minimalist approach that allows the grapes to speak for themselves. Dedicated to producing small quantities of wines we love. Christopher P. Bates & Robert W. Bates.