Forge Cellars, Seneca Lake (Finger Lakes, New York) Cabernet Franc 2021

 Forge Cellars put their name on the map by making world-class Riesling from the Finger Lakes.  Rick Rainey and Louis Barruol (of the Rhône Valley’s Château de Saint Cosme), make a formidable team.  This is the first vintage for Arlo Vineyard Cabernet Franc and the third Cabernet Franc vintage that Forge has produced.  Arlo Vineyard is located on the east side of Seneca Lake, not far from Forge’s winery and tasting room.  Arlo is located in the colloquially termed “Banana Belt” where Lake Seneca retains heat from the mid-day sun and helps provide noticeably warmer weather immediately adjacent to the lake.  This phenomenon allows Forge to harvest at the end of October in Northern New York and the extra hang time is directly correlated to the quality of wine being produced.  This Cabernet Franc shows dark plum, tart pomegranate, wet concrete, earthy leather and tobacco notes all of which are ripe and well balanced.   I am excited to see the Forge team continue their adventuring into new plots with additional varieties, and I hope they continue the journey in producing outstanding quality wines.