Cool climates provide the world with wonderful sparkling wines. The Finger Lakes of New York State certainly qualify as a good source of bubbly, and the 2009 Chateau Frank Blanc de Blancs proves the point. The 2009 rendition is a lovely sparkling wine that combines exquisite refreshment and complexity. Made entirely from Chardonnay, its lemon and green apple fruits at the nose are enhanced by hints of white flowers, honey and the yeasty complexity that the traditional method provides. The flavors are lively, clean and dry with the juicy lemon and apple fruit tones underlain by elements of cream and fresh-bread yeastiness.
Chateau Frank, Finger Lakes (New York) 2009
By Wayne Belding