Cabernet Franc-Lemberger 2006
Finger Lakes, New York ($18)
Every once in a while I find a wine that seems like its been grown, made and marketed towards people like myself. On a recent trip to basically the only wine store I go to these days, I found a wine that simply made its purchase mandatory. No questions. No doubts. No checking of my finances before hand.
There are only a few grapes that could induce this kind of reaction. And if this isn't your first trip to my site, you probably know the that I'm talking about cabernet franc. But this bottle had even more going for it... 30% lemberger! And from the Finger Lakes to boot.
Anthony Road Winery is located on the west side of Seneca Lake. I've stopped in quickly on my way down to NYC in the past and was mildly impressed with the reds, which were really the only wines I tasted there. The fact is nothing really stood out compared to the other FL reds I tried that day. I had pretty much forgotten about them until last week when I found this bottle.
Why am I so thrilled about this wine? I just think these two grapes are suited for cool climate viticulture up here in the FL and Niagara USA Region. Rarely do you see them together and I'm not sure why that's the case. I know Fox Run Vineyards also bottled a blend of the two that won an award or two, but it wasn't available when I visited. So this bottle is my first introduction to the cab franc/lemberger wines of the FL.
Dark red color with aromas of raspberry and cherry. Lively mouth feel with decent weight to it for a cool climate red. Spicy tones of cherry and vanilla linger on the finish. I drank this with my meat ragu (and used it in sauce as well) the other night and loved every sip. I don't think it's big enough to just hang out with as it begs for food with its acidity. It also benefitted with decanting and/or a good rest over night. My grade: A-
Wow! Two of my favorite grape varieties, I would be thrilled too! We grow a lot of Lemberger here in the State of WA and have been for many years, so it's fun to see it available in other places. Also, I think the price is excellent. Good post. Thanks!
Posted by: Catie | March 26, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I heard about this wine and it inspired me to make a similar blend. I grow Lemberger in Michigan and I obtained some Cabernet Franc from another grower. My 2007 blend is 60% Lemberger and 40% Cabernet Franc. It tastes great at this point in time.
Posted by: Burrloin | March 27, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Wow Love Cab Franc but what is lemberger I take it is is a German varietal? Is it a red grape or white? Very interesting!
Posted by: Mark Marino | March 30, 2008 at 02:21 AM
Bryan, you know that I'm a huge Franc guy and I have liked what Lemberger I've tasted as well. Both are great food wines.
Do you have any favorite Finger Lakes CF's from Keuka Lake? I'll be up that way in a couple weeks...
Posted by: Lenn Thompson | April 04, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I have to try this wine! I first fell in love with Lemberger when I visited My friend Dave Demarco at Seneca Shores Wine Cellars. I own Applewood Winery in the Hudson Valley and I grow Cab Franc now and I'm planting Lemberger this Spring. I can't wait!
Jonathan Hull
http://www.applewoodwinery.com
Posted by: Jon Hull | February 13, 2009 at 08:02 AM